Author KM Waldvogel joins us at Aztalan Day, July 19, 2026

Author K.M. Waldvogel will be sharing her book, Spies, Soldiers, Couriers and Saboteurs: Women of the American Revolution, with visitors during Aztalan Day on Sunday, July 19th. The talk will begin at 1 PM at the museum grounds located at N6284 County Road Q, Jefferson, WI 53549. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for the talk and come early to immerse themselves in the festivities of this annual event, which runs from noon to 4 PM. Highlights include local history scavenger hunts, the final appearance of Doyle's Dogs serving up their famous Chicago-style hot dogs, various historic craftsmen vendors and demonstrators, antique tractors, homemade mini pies, and opportunities to contribute to the Time Capsule in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America.

Description of Talk:

Spies, Soldiers, Couriers and Saboteurs:

Women of the American Revolution

In the years prior to the American Revolution, many colonists were angered by policies

of the British Parliament and the tax laws imposed. These colonists felt Britain ignored their feelings and objected to these laws which they viewed as unfair. As a result, they rebelled and the fight for American independence began.

Women were also thrust into the difficulties and dangers of the war. With many men

joining the militia, women found themselves in charge of family businesses and farms. This required them to learn new skills or take a more active role than they had previously. Some women became camp followers and performed duties such as mending and washing clothes, nursing sick or wounded soldiers, and preparing meals. They followed the men onto the battlefields and performed duties as needed, often risking their lives.

In this talk, Kathleen (K.M.) Waldvogel will explain her research for her middle-grade book, Spies, Soldiers, Couriers, and Saboteurs: Women of the American Revolution. During her work, she discovered fascinating stories of ordinary women who felt compelled to stand up for what they believed, including sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington who rode approximately 40 miles to warn the countryside of the British marching to Danbury, Connecticut.

Waldvogel will focus on researching the stories of little-known women who felt the need

to take an active role to help the Patriots defeat the British. As the title of her book suggests, many of these women contributed in unconventional ways.

Waldvogel spent six years researching and writing the book. Her goal was to create a

book that would captivate and engage middle-grade readers. She felt if she could tell the personal stories of individuals who stepped forward and risked their lives to help the Americans defeat the British, this would bring history alive. Bringing to light stories of these courageous women was an honor.

About the Author

K.M. Waldvogel splits her time between the two beautiful states -- Wisconsin and Arizona. She is a former teacher who has a passion for reading and writing and absolutely adores American history!  

She is the author of the middle-grade book, Spies, Soldiers, Couriers, and Saboteurs: Women of the American Revolution, as well as three picture books: And the Cow Jumped Over the Moon, Three Little Ghosts, and Whoo, Whoo, Who’s Out There? In addition, she has been published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul books and has won awards in a number of writing contests.

Waldvogel has served on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Writers Association, is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and belongs to several writing groups in both Arizona and Wisconsin. 

While writing will always be a true passion, she would be lost without spending time with family and friends! They bring joy to her every day. Her hobbies include pickleball, traveling, cooking, knitting, hiking/walking and attending as many grandchildren’s activities as possible! She always keeps in mind the words that a very close friend often repeats: “Ahh, life is good!” (description taken from author's website)