Michael L. Keene

About the Author

Michael L. Keene is a distinguished historian and author whose work illuminates the intersections of gender, creativity, and public policy in 20th-century America. With a PhD in American History from Yale University, Keene has dedicated his career to uncovering the overlooked contributions of women artists during the Great Depression era. His seminal book, Women, Art and the New Deal, meticulously documents how federal programs like the Works Progress Administration empowered female creatives, reshaping cultural landscapes and challenging societal norms. Drawing from extensive archival research, Keene's narrative blends rigorous scholarship with engaging storytelling, offering fresh perspectives on how art served as a vehicle for social change. A professor emeritus at the University of Chicago, he continues to lecture widely on the enduring legacy of these initiatives.