Ann Allen died on Friday, August 27 at the age of 76. She was born in New York city and also lived in New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland. Ann had been a summer resident of the Vineyard throughout her life prior to moving to the Island year-round in 1980.

Ms. Allen had numerous interests and talents ranging from house renovation to writing. She was also deeply concerned about issues of social justice, leading her to work for seven years as a grant writer and consultant in anti-poverty programs, first in New Haven, Conn., and then in Washington, D.C. For the most part she made her living as a researcher and journalist, working for various organizations including Newsweek magazine and the National Institutes of Health.

Her greatest passion, however, was studying and teaching local history. Ann taught a popular Island history course to adults for many years. Prior to that, she helped to design and implement the Community History Project, known as CHiP, a program designed to teach high school juniors about local history through field trips and other hands-on activities. She also participated in the local mediation program and volunteered as a portfolio reviewer at the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School.

Ann is survived by her husband, William T. Elbow, currently residing in West Tisbury; her daughter, Katherine B. Allen, who lives in Redway, Calif.; her brother, McAlister Coleman, and his wife, Peggy Coleman, who reside in Manchester-by-the Sea; her niece Maya Coleman, who lives in Washington D.C., and several other relatives.

There will be no memorial service per Ms. Allen’s wishes, and interment will be private.