Kathleen O Neal Gear

Born in 1954 in Tulare, California, Kathleen O'Neal Gear has built a career as an archaeologist, historian, and prolific author. She pursued her academic interests with a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Bakersfield, followed by graduate studies in archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Her academic journey continued with a Master of Arts from California State University, Chico, and doctoral research in American Indian history at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Gear's professional experience includes serving as a state historian and archaeologist for Wyoming, Kansas, and Nebraska under the U.S. Department of the Interior. She is particularly recognized for her "North America's Forgotten Past" series, a collaborative effort with her husband, W. Michael Gear. Her literary works have achieved international recognition, having been translated into 29 languages, and she has received several accolades for her contributions to Western literature and historical fiction.

Kathleen O'Neal Gear's academic foundation is deeply rooted in archaeology and history. She earned her undergraduate degree from California State University, Bakersfield, and then expanded her archaeological expertise with graduate work at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Further academic achievements include an M.A. from California State University, Chico, and Ph.D. studies focusing on American Indian history at the University of California, Los Angeles. This extensive educational background equipped her for significant roles in historical preservation and scholarship. She previously held positions as a state historian and archaeologist for Wyoming, Kansas, and Nebraska, working with the U.S. Department of the Interior. This professional experience likely informs the historical depth and accuracy found in her literary endeavors.

Gear is widely recognized for her contributions to literature, particularly through her novels. Her collaboration with her husband, W. Michael Gear, on the "North America's Forgotten Past" series has garnered significant attention. These works, along with her other writings, have achieved broad international reach, being published in 29 different languages. Her dedication to storytelling and historical exploration has been acknowledged through various awards and honors, including induction into the California State University, Bakersfield, Hall of Fame and the Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame. She has also received the Owen Wister Award for lifetime achievement in Western literature and Spur Awards for her short fiction, demonstrating a consistent impact on the literary landscape.