Nancy Steenburg

Nancy Steenburg is an Adjunct Professor of History at the University of Connecticut (UConn) Avery Point campus, where she has taught for nearly 30 years. She holds a Ph.D. in American History from UConn, an M.A. from Trinity College, and a B.A. from Radcliffe College, Harvard University. Her research focuses on 17th–19th century American social, cultural, and legal history, with a particular emphasis on New England history, the history of slavery in Connecticut, and family history.

Steenburg has authored the award-winning book *Children and the Criminal Law in Connecticut: 1635 to 1854* (2005), which won the 2006 Homer D. Babbidge, Jr. Award for Connecticut history. She has contributed articles to journals like *Connecticut History Review* and *Connecticut Explored*, and has chapters in edited volumes. Her work often explores marginalized voices, such as people of color in Connecticut’s colonial and early national periods.

• Leadership Roles: President of the Association for the Study of Connecticut History, New London County Historical Society, and Connecticut Coalition for the Study of Public History.
• Projects: Led archival research on Venture Smith for the Stonington Historical Society, resulting in a permanent exhibit. Guides educational tours to Venture’s homestead in Stonington.
• Teaching Philosophy: Emphasizes critical analysis and challenging historical narratives, particularly in the era of misinformation.

Steenburg has also served as editor of the *Connecticut History Review* and advocated for public history through internships and community engagement.