Testimonials

"Your book has arrived. Bravo! Bravo! What a monumental, worthy, welcome piece of work. You did it and it looks great. And what long-range value it will have -- there's really no way to measure how far and lasting its reach will be, and all because you did it."
-- David McCullough, Pulitzer prize winning author, 2005


"Bonnie: it was a wonderful exhibit. Absolutely the highlight of the evening. Thanks and congratulations. I feel that Emerson has, in you, a new champion.
-- Robert Richardson, Emerson biographer, 2003


"Warmest congratulations! What a handsome edition of the 1790 letters and how pleased and proud you must be. I'm so happy to have the book, and, of course, very grateful for your inscription. It will be read from cover to cover with greatest interest and appreciation, and particularly now as I am about to be writing that part of the lives of John & Abigail when they return from Europe in 1788 and take up still another big part of their lives in New York and Philadelphia. Many, many thanks."
-- David McCullough, Pulitzer prize winning author, 1998


"I met Bonnie Hurd Smith for the first time when she accepted the position of temporary Executive Director of the Ipswich Historical Society in 2004. I was impressed immediately by her professionalism and energy. It was no surprise when she was asked to take over the position at the Ipswich Historical Socety on a permanent basis. Ms. Smith brought to the Society a sense of the "big picture" regarding the role of a dynamic and involved local historical society in the community. Her ability to lead the Society in a new direction has been exciting to witness. She has given the Society a visibility in the community that was much needed. Recently Ms. Smith was the guest speaker at our lecture series sponsored by the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library. Her scholarly reputation and excellent communication skills assured an entertaining evening for the large audience who attended."
-- Victor Dyer, Director, Ipswich Public Library

Salem Evening News, August 7, 2002: Bonnie Hurd Smith surveyed the panorama of American history and wondered why the faces of so many women were hidden. The director of the Boston Women's Heritage Trail knew Salem's history was also enriched by unrecognized contributions of scores of women -- and volunteered a year and a half of her own time to uncover the record. As the result of her work, Salem's Women's Heritage Trail includes 52 sites and an accompanying guidebook honors 100 women. The bonus? Bonnie grew to love Salem so much that she moved here -- and her volunteer work continues. By reminding us that the fabric of history is woven by the accomplishments of more than a chosen few, Bonnie helps to make the work we do at The Salem Evening News as rewarding as it is. Every day.