Mollie Gillen

Mollie Gillen, born on November first, nineteen oh eight, was a distinguished Australian historian, novelist, and biographer. Her extensive research and writing significantly contributed to the understanding of Australia's early history, particularly through her exploration of the First Fleet.

In her notable works, including 'The Search for John Small, First Fleeter' and 'The Founders of Australia: a Biographical Dictionary of the First Fleet', Gillen challenged conventional narratives by suggesting that many of Australia's founding families were actually descended from the convict population rather than the guards assigned to oversee them.

Beyond her historical contributions, Gillen also made her mark in literary scholarship. Her article, 'Maud Montgomery: The Girl Who Wrote Green Gables', sparked a renewed interest in the works of Lucy Maud Montgomery, highlighting Gillen's versatility as a writer and researcher.