Brian D. Fors, Publisher

Brian has a Ph.D. in American History from the University of Iowa and spent two years training as an Archivist at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, D.C. He has been a faculty member and administrator in higher education for over twenty years and for the past two and one-half years has been the co-owner of The History Writers, a company focusing on historical research and writing, archives and records management and genealogy and family history. He is the author of Affairs are Quite Electric: The Hoover Administration’s Response to Revolution in Central America and the Caribbean, 1930-1932 and The Dotson Story - The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of American Manufacturing.

"At an early age I enjoyed reading, especially historical narratives. Of course, I didn’t know it was called historical narrative then, I just liked the stories. By the time I went to college at Moorhead State University in Minnesota I knew I wanted to study history, with the dream of being a writer. At Moorhead and the University of Iowa, everything interested me: American history, Latin American history, Russian history, South African history, women’s history, frontier history, intellectual history, foreign policy, politics and local and regional history.

"While finishing my dissertation at the University of Iowa, I worked for the National Archives and Records Administration. The National Archives trained me in all aspects of archival work, covering records management, acquisition, appraisal, preservation, processing and public service of historical organizations. I also had the opportunity to do this work for the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

"I research and write histories and provide comprehensive archival guidance. I focus on helping people connect to the past so they can use it as a guide for understanding the present, and then use it for directing their decisions in the future. I believe that the study of history and preserving the historical record plays an essential role in advancing the public good."

Nicole L Helget, Editor-in-Chief

Nicole Helget has a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and is pursuing a Master of Public Policy concentrating in rural arts, education, and environmental issues.

With her family, she lives in southern Minnesota where she has been working as a teacher, editor, and manuscript and story consultant. She is the multigenre author of The Summer of Ordinary Ways, The Turtle Catcher, Horse Camp, Stillwater, Wonder at the Edge of the World and The End of the Wild. She and her work have been recognized in People magazine's "Critic's Choice," as a Barnes and Nobles "Discover New Writers" selection, as a Minnesota State University "Distinguished Alumni," and with many literary and service grants, nominations, and awards.

Deborah L. Fors, Managing Editor

Deborah has an undergraduate degree in Scandinavian History and Culture that focused on the literature and history of the mid-19th to early-20th century immigration to the United States. Through continued professional development, she completed numerous classes, study programs and workshops through the National Genealogical Society.

"I was born in Fargo, North Dakota and grew up in the mixed German/Scandinavian Community of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, typical of many Midwestern communities in the 20th century.  After graduating from high school, I went on to Moorhead (MN) State University and received a specialized undergraduate degree in Scandinavian History and Culture with a concentration in museum studies. Because of the research experience I gained with this degree, I was hired as a researcher for the University of Iowa Foundation. That was the beginning of a 25-year career in research and fundraising in Iowa, Minnesota, Maryland and Michigan.

Since officially retiring from fundraising in 2009, I have been able to focus full-time on family history and genealogical research. The largest research project to-date was working with NBC/TLC’s “Who Do You Think You Are” episode featuring Cindy Crawford that aired in August 2013.