EDCHS PRESIDENT

Jill serves as President of the El Dorado County Historical Society, a Board Member of El Dorado Gold 1848, and Regional Vice President of the Conference of California Historical Societies (Region 38). A dedicated historian and docent, her research into the 1864 Bullion Bend robbery led to her book, Not of the Ruling Power, and inspired the scripts for the Save-the-Graves tributes to Officer Joseph Staples.

Her literary contributions also include Grey Eagle’s Story of Young Coppa Hembo, a collaboration with author Guy Nixon that Jill both wrote and illustrated. This work is also published within the volume A River Divided.

A lifelong El Dorado County resident, Jill’s background in architecture and art informs her preservation work. She previously utilized the COVID-19 shutdown to oversee critical renovations to the Fountain & Tallman Museum, updating the flooring, lighting, and exhibits. Alongside her family and the Oregon-California Trails Association, she remains active in living history and pioneer trail exploration. Under her leadership, the EDCHS continues to bridge partnerships with the County Museum and the Marilyn Ferguson Research Center to rescue, research, and display the region’s rich heritage.

EDCHS VP, MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

Debbie has been on the El Dorado County Historical Society's Board of Directors for several years in the position of Membership Chairman. Debbie has lived and worked in El Dorado County for over 46 years. Since retiring from a career in the Title Insurance business in 2010, she has been able to pursue her interest in the County's rich history by volunteering for the Historical Society and the Marilyn Ferguson Research Library.

EDCHS TREASURER, WEBMASTER

With ancestral roots in California dating back to 1852, Jacob Rigoli is a dedicated steward of the Golden State’s heritage. He leverages over 20 years of global expertise from a career spanning five continents with IBM, Pearson Education, Savvas Learning Company, and various EdTech startups. Jacob translates this professional breadth into local impact as Board Member, Treasurer, and Webmaster for the El Dorado County Historical Society, Treasurer for Save the Graves, and Chair of the El Dorado County Historical Museum Commission.

His commitment is equally personal; alongside his husband, Sean, Jacob has meticulously restored multiple 19th- and early 20th-century properties—most recently the historic John Blair / Judge Thompson House in Placerville. Their work relies on rigorous archival research to ensure every restoration is period-authentic.

Driven to safeguard early-California and Western artifacts, Jacob bridges the gap between local archives and a global audience. By enhancing accessibility and digital engagement, he ensures the stories of the Gold Rush resonate with everyone from local students to international history enthusiasts.

EDCHS SECRETARY

After a decade in the District of Columbia, Janine is thrilled to be putting down roots in El Dorado County and experiencing firsthand Alexis de Tocqueville’s insight that “the strength of free peoples resides in local community.” She aspires to emulate the many individuals, including EDCHS members, who take active responsibility for preserving our County’s rich history and stewarding its ongoing story.

Janine currently works as Chief of Staff for Global Central Government at Deloitte, supporting public sector clients as they seek to deliver their missions and solve emerging challenges. She previously lived in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she worked for the Department of State in the U.S. Embassy’s Finance, Investment, & Trade Unit. Janine enjoys participating on the board of the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council’s Camino chapter, making use of her Hangtown Range membership, exploring the El Dorado National Forest with her dog, cheering for the USC Trojans, and reading every informative plaque that crosses her path. She holds an MBA from Georgetown University and a BA in Philosophy from Biola University.

EDCHS BOARD MEMBER, HISTORIC TRAILS COMMITTEE CHAIR, RESEARCH COMMITEE CO-CHAIR

A 50-year resident of Placerville, Dee is a retired El Dorado County elementary school teacher who has dedicated her career and retirement to her passion for California history. After years of inspiring students, she now focuses her expertise on uncovering and preserving the local legacy for her community and her grandchildren.

Dee’s extensive research background includes work at the El Dorado County Historical Museum and her current role at the Marilyn Ferguson Research Center and Library at El Dorado Gold 1848, housed in Placerville’s historic WPA-era post office. Specializing in property lineage and the lives of early pioneers, she shares her findings through educational videos on Sierra Community Access Television, bringing the stories of El Dorado County’s towns and people to a broader audience.

Her commitment to preservation extends into the field through her work with the California-Nevada Chapter of the Oregon California Trails Association (OCTA) and the El Dorado National Forest. In this capacity, she actively locates and maps the original emigrant trails that fueled the Gold Rush, ensuring these vital historical paths are documented for future generations.

EDCHS BOARD MEMBER, RESEARCH COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR

A native of Rescue, California, Rodi’s lifelong connection to the outdoors began with years of volunteering and recreation in Coloma. She holds a B.S. in Natural Resources Interpretation with a minor in Ethnobotany from CSU Sacramento, a foundation that launched a distinguished 35-year career as a naturalist and historian for California State Parks.

During her tenure, Rodi oversaw cultural and natural history programs at five key locations: Folsom Lake SRA, Auburn SRA, Fort Humboldt SHP, Folsom Powerhouse SHP, and the California Governor’s Mansion SHP. Her extensive field research informed her work as an author; she has written or co-authored six books, including American River Canyon, California State Park Rangers, and private publications on vintage postcards of Donner Memorial State Park and California State Parks (A-Z).

Since retiring in 2008, Rodi has remained a tireless advocate for local heritage. She currently volunteers four days a week across the Folsom, El Dorado County Historical, and Placer County Museums, as well as the Marilyn Ferguson Research Room. Her passion for research continues to drive her journey of discovery, ensuring that new historical information is preserved and shared.

EDCHS BOARD MEMBER, PUBLIC PROGRAMMING & EVENTS CHAIR

A dedicated preservationist, Sean possesses a lifelong passion for historic homes and California history. His deep commitment to conserving the Golden State’s heritage is rooted in his own lineage: his great-great-great grandfather arrived in 1847.

Currently, Sean serves as the Curator for the California Museum in Sacramento and sits on the El Dorado County Historical Museum Commission. As Public Programming & Events Chair for the El Dorado County Historical Society, he directs the popular historic field speaker series and oversees the curation of rotating exhibitions at the Fountain & Tallman Museum.

Beyond his leadership roles, Sean is the author of the pictorial history Sacramento’s Newton Booth and Poverty Ridge (Arcadia Publishing, 2020) and has developed several historic walking tours. His commitment to preservation is personal as well as professional; he has restored multiple historic properties over the past 15 years. Most notably, in 2018, he and his husband, Jacob, began a multi-year restoration of the historic John Blair/Judge Thompson House in Placerville, honoring more than 160 years of pioneer history.

EDCHS BOARD MEMBER, PUBLICITY & MARKETING CHAIR, EDITOR OF TAILINGS

Raised in Orangevale, Sara now calls Placerville home, where she lives with her husband, son, and their six pets (three dogs and three cats). As a credentialed El Dorado County educator and certified naturalist, Sara blends her expertise with a deep passion for history and outdoor education.

She is the former owner of the award-winning Around Here Magazine, a publication dedicated to connecting El Dorado County residents with local heritage and resources. Her commitment to the community continues through her work with the El Dorado County Historical Society (EDCHS), where she chairs the committees for Publications, Publicity, Social Media, and Fundraising. When she isn’t championing local non-profits, Sara can be found running, practicing yoga, or exploring the outdoors—ideally near the water.

EDCHS BOARD MEMBER

Kris has served in various Board of Director and Leadership positions locally, including past President of the El Dorado County Historical Society and Regional Vice-President of the Conference of California Historical Societies, past President of the Placerville-Downtown Association and various El Dorado County Commissions and Committees, including as Founder and director of the Patterson Ranch Fire Safe Council.

EDCHS BOARD MEMBER

Beth Fellman has been a resident of El Dorado County for over 46 years and is deeply invested in preserving its rich history and sharing it with others. She serves as a docent at the Fountain Tallman Museum, where she skillfully tailors tours to each visitor's unique interests. Beth also volunteers at the Marilyn Ferguson Research Center and Library, focusing her research on the captivating pioneers and gold mines of the Gold Rush era. In January 2025, she further solidified her commitment to the community's historical preservation by joining the board of the El Dorado County Historical Society.

Beyond her invaluable volunteer work, Beth finds solace and joy in the breathtaking natural beauty of El Dorado County. She cultivates her passion for the outdoors through gardening, exploring historic trails on foot, and invigorating early-morning swims. Most importantly, she cherishes every precious moment spent with her beloved grandchildren. Beth's unwavering dedication to family, education, and the preservation of history forms a strong and enduring connection to her community.

EDCHS BOARD MEMBER, BUILDING PRESERVATION COMMITTEE CHAIR

A resident of El Dorado County for over 46 years, Sue is a tireless advocate for the region’s architectural heritage. As Chair of the Society's Building Preservation Committee, her commitment is best evidenced by her work at 301 and 305 Main Street. When these historic structures were threatened with demolition, Sue and her husband, Tim, purchased them—conducting meticulous research and a total restoration to bring these vital landmarks back to life.

In addition to their preservation work, Sue and Tim are the proud sponsors of the annual "Hangtown Parade" each December. Sue currently serves as President of El Dorado Gold 1848, where she leads the mission to establish a museum dedicated to education and the safeguarding of local artifacts. Through every endeavor, she remains a vocal champion for the preservation and celebration of El Dorado County’s history.

MANAGER, FOUNTAIN & TALLMAN MUSEUM

As a seventh-generation El Dorado County native, Heather Burnett’s connection to local history is more than professional—it’s ancestral. A direct descendant of the illustrious Morey family of Gold Rush-era Placerville, as well as two other pioneer-era settler families, Heather serves as a living bridge to the region’s past.

As the manager of the Fountain & Tallman Museum (524 Main Street), she is a premier resource for 19th and early 20th-century history. Heather’s deep-rooted knowledge and infectious enthusiasm inspire visitors of all ages, transforming a visit to the museum into a journey through the rich heritage of historic Placerville.