Join writer & storyteller Hope McLeod for an illustrated journey into the lives of The Parke Sisters. From 1898-1906, these classically trained musicians and descendants of Robert Owen toured the U.S. by rail, defying the era’s norms to bring music to the masses. Using archival photos, Hope weaves an entertaining narrative of these brilliant women, charting their creative lives infused with the enduring influences of their Owenite ancestors.

Hope, an award-winning journalist, poet, and songwriter, lives in Washburn, WI. She’s penned two books: The Place We Begin, a collection of poetry, and Have I Got a Story for You, a compilation of her best newspaper stories. She also has two original music recordings: Time to Dream & Frozen in Time, with some songs featured in three PBS documentary films, & two in museum exhibits. Hope’s a contributing writer to a host of national magazines, including Nieman Storyboard, & Wisconsin People & Ideas.