Basic Information
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lola Van Wagenen |
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1938 |
| Place of Birth | Provo, Utah |
| Education | B.A. Vermont College (1982); M.A. Public History, NYU (1984); Ph.D. American History, NYU (1994) |
| Marriages | Robert Redford (1958–1985); George Burrill (2002–present) |
| Children | Scott Anthony (1959–1960); Shauna Jean (b. 1960); David James (1962–2020); Amy Hart (b. 1970) |
| Major Affiliations | Consumer Action Now; Clio Visualizing History, Inc. |
| Estimated Net Worth | \$1–3 million |
Early Life and Education
Born into a devout Mormon family in Provo, Utah, on December 19, 1938, Lola Van Wagenen spent her youth balancing religious traditions with an early curiosity about broader philosophical ideas. After marrying actor Robert Redford in 1958, she pursued formal education as her family grew. In 1982, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Vermont College, followed by a master’s in Public History in 1984 and a doctorate in American History in 1994 from New York University. Her dissertation, Sister-Wives and Suffragists, examined polygamy and women’s suffrage politics between 1870 and 1896.
Activism and Environmental Work
In 1970, Van Wagenen co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN), a nonprofit dedicated to consumer education on environmental issues. She then spearheaded The Sun Fund (1975–1977), which produced the Academy Award–nominated short The Solar Film in 1980 and organized SunDay, a nationally televised energy conservation event in New York in 1978. Her leadership in the Women’s Energy Education Project (1979–1980) culminated in the publication of the influential Women’s Energy Toolkit, equipping grassroots activists with practical conservation strategies.
Academic and Production Career
Leveraging her academic credentials, Van Wagenen co-founded Clio Visualizing History, Inc. in 1995—later a nonprofit—producing documentary films and interactive exhibits. She served as executive producer on PBS’s Miss America: A Documentary Film (2002) and the landmark The State of Marriage (2015), chronicling marriage equality struggles. Clio’s online project, Click! The Ongoing Feminist Revolution, launched in 2024, built on her commitment to accessible women’s history.
| Year(s) | Project | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Co-founded Consumer Action Now | Nationwide consumer-environmental education |
| 1975–1977 | The Sun Fund | Raised awareness for solar energy; film nominated for Academy Award |
| 1978 | SunDay Event | National TV broadcast on energy conservation |
| 1995 | Founded Clio Visualizing History | Educational films and online exhibits |
| 2002 | Miss America Documentary | Primetime PBS feature |
| 2015 | The State of Marriage | Executive producer on marriage equality documentary |
Personal Challenges and Family Legacy
Van Wagenen faced profound personal trials—the loss of her infant son Scott in 1960 and her son David in 2020—as well as a high-profile divorce from Redford in 1985. In 2002, she married George Burrill, founder of the development firm ARD. Her daughter, Amy Hart Redford, born in 1970, has carried forward the family’s artistic and activist spirit as an actress, director, and podcast host.
Public Image and Influence
Although initially recognized as Robert Redford’s spouse, Van Wagenen established her own reputation as a historian and environmental advocate. She earned an Honorary Doctorate in Science from Pratt Institute in 1979 and NYU’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012. While she avoids social media, her influence endures through Clio’s educational platforms, scholarly publications, and mentorship of emerging historians and activists.
Recent References and Continuing Impact
In 2024–2025, media profiles revisited her pioneering work through retrospectives on biography sites and environmental blogs. Her 2015 executive-producer role on The State of Marriage remains a touchstone for marriage equality history, and Clio’s ongoing digital exhibits continue to engage new audiences in women’s history.
FAQ
Who is Lola Van Wagenen?
Lola Van Wagenen is an American historian, environmental activist, and documentary producer known for co-founding Consumer Action Now and Clio Visualizing History.
What is Consumer Action Now?
Consumer Action Now is a nonprofit founded in 1970 to educate the public on environmental and consumer issues through workshops and publications.
What notable films did Van Wagenen produce?
She served as executive producer on PBS’s Miss America: A Documentary Film (2002) and The State of Marriage (2015).
What academic achievements does she hold?
She earned a B.A. (1982), M.A. in Public History (1984), and Ph.D. in American History (1994) from New York University.
How did personal challenges shape her work?
Losses of her sons and her divorce informed her commitment to social justice, resilience, and preserving women’s histories.
Who is Amy Hart Redford?
Amy Hart Redford is Van Wagenen’s daughter, an actress and director known for films like The Guitar and the podcast Scrappy Broads.
