Carol Sponagle is a historian, freelance writer, and bead-jewelry instructor based in Springfield, Illinois. Carol is also a community volunteer, wife, and mother of two children.
Her education includes an M.A. in Public History, a B.A. in Anthropology, and an A.A. in Psychology. She has worked as a research historian, archivist, and jewelry instructor; and in museums doing accessions, curatorial work, and fundraising. Carol has also works as a volunteer fundraiser, grant-writer, board member, and Girl Scout Leader.
Before becoming a freelance writer, Sponagle wrote her master's thesis entitled,"Reform and Resistance: Abolitionism of the East in Illinois, 1830-1840." She is currently engaged in research and writing related to this topic and other items of historical significance.
Carol's research and writing has been featured in exhibits at the Illinois State Military Museum and the Illinois State Museum. She has worked on exhibits including: John A. Logan: Citizen, Soldier & Statesman; Illinois in the Spanish-American War; and The 33rd Division in WWII. She has archived collections that include The Adlai Stevenson III Collection housed by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and various military documents, photograph collections, and military artifacts.
Carol loves fitness and nutrition and has lead several running groups. She enjoys community volunteering, research, writing, creating jewelry, running, in-line skating, traveling, camping, hiking, exotic pets, cooking, and doing Goju Ryu Karate.