Imagine a journalist who turned the dusty pages of home economics into a vibrant feminist saga—meet Danielle Dreilinger! This award-winning storyteller and education reporter has carved a niche by unearthing hidden histories with wit and insight. Her groundbreaking book, The Secret History of Home Economics, flips the script on a field often dismissed as mere muffin-baking, revealing its role in empowering women and shaping modern life.
With a knack for blending meticulous research with a conversational spark, Dreilinger’s work invites readers to rethink the past. From her roots in arts journalism to her deep dives into education reform, she’s a voice for the overlooked, making history feel as lively as a dinner party chat. Ready to explore her story?
The Making of Danielle Dreilinger
Born with a curiosity as sharp as her pen, Danielle Dreilinger graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University, setting the stage for a dynamic journalism career. She cut her teeth covering the arts for outlets like WBUR, where she helped snag the station’s first Online Journalism Award. Her early days at the Boston Globe, reporting on gentrification and diversity in Somerville, honed her ability to weave human stories into broader societal threads.
Moving to New Orleans, Dreilinger spent five years at The Times-Picayune, diving into the city’s contentious post-Katrina education revolution. Named the best features writer by the Louisiana Press Association in 2017, she earned a 2018 Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship at the University of Michigan, fueling her passion for long-form storytelling and historical research.
Danielle Dreilinger’s Unforgettable Stories
Dreilinger’s magnum opus, The Secret History of Home Economics: How Trailblazing Women Harnessed the Power of Home and Changed the Way We Live (W.W. Norton, 2021), is a revelation. This meticulously researched book traces home economics from its roots in Black colleges to its influence on figures like Eleanor Roosevelt. Far from sewing pillows, the field birthed chemists, nutritionists, and advocates who revolutionized domestic life and opened doors for women in STEM.
Her journalism, appearing in outlets like The New York Times, The Atlantic, and USA Today, showcases a versatile style—sharp, accessible, and often infused with a feminist lens. Whether covering charter schools or profiling innovators, Dreilinger’s work digs beneath the surface, blending data with human stories. Her book’s conversational tone makes complex history feel like a chat with a brilliant friend, earning praise from The New Yorker for being “deeply researched and crisply written.”
Currently, as a national rewrite editor for the Gannett/USA Today Network, Dreilinger continues to shape narratives, from education policy to quirky features like teens pitching menstrual blood as a life-saving device. Her ability to spotlight unsung heroes—especially women and people of color—sets her apart in a crowded field.
Why Danielle Dreilinger Matters
Dreilinger’s work is a wake-up call, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the unsung. The Secret History of Home Economics not only reframes a misunderstood discipline but also sparks conversations about gender, race, and education. By highlighting Black home economists like Flemmie Kittrell, she amplifies voices long ignored, making history inclusive and relevant.
Her influence extends beyond the page. By advocating for home economics’ revival in schools, Dreilinger pushes for practical, equitable education that blends life skills with social justice. Her storytelling inspires readers to see the past as a guide for a better future, proving that even niche topics can resonate widely.
- Born: Not publicly available
- Key Work: The Secret History of Home Economics (2021)
- Awards: 2017 Louisiana Press Association Best Features Writer, 2018 Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship
- Notable Outlets: The New York Times, The Atlantic, USA Today
Grab The Secret History of Home Economics and dive into Danielle Dreilinger’s witty, eye-opening world! Her blend of history and heart will leave you hungry for more.