I was deeply saddened to hear that Ann Gordon passed away in March this year.  I did not know her well, but I’ll never forget how wonderful she made me feel during a our text and phone exchanges.  If you are not familiar with Ann, she was an reknown historian and research professor in the department of history at Rutgers University and editor of the papers of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.  She was also the author of several books, a frequent contributor to the New York Times, and a regular collaborator with notable documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.

In the short time that I knew Ann, I found her to be kind, patient, and witty.   I was aware of her busy schedule, and for a while, we engaged in a game of telephone tag.  When we finally connected, I commented on how difficult it was to get a hold of her, and she quipped that she was simply playing hard to get.

We discussed my film a few times before meeting, and it was gratifying to know that she understood my mission.  I finally met up with her at a New York studio not far from Penn Station back in March 2019.   We experienced heavy rain that morning, but she managed to drive in from New Jersey, arriving on time.   Much to my embarrassment, I was running behind schedule.  So, as I proceeded with camera set-ups, she noshed on a croissant and coffee I had purchased from a nearby Dunkin’ Donuts while flipping through her newspaper. 

Ann’s interview was fascinating, and at times, I was so captivated by her answers that I would forget to ask questions.  After our three-hour interview, I had hope to invite her to lunch or dinner as a gesture of appreciation.  You see, I was surprised that she agreed to a meeting.   I am not a “boldface,” but  she made time for me just the same.   And so, it is for these reasons that I  cherish her memory and the time spent with her, however brief.

~ Jennifer  Rolle ~