A Story of Women, History, Faith & the Forces That Shaped Their Lives
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RIBS OFF AN
OLD TREE
RIBS OFF AN
OLD TREE
RIBS OFF AN
OLD TREE
RIBS OFF AN
OLD TREE
Beverly Barnes McKeever
Exploring History. Restoring Overlooked Stories.
Beverly Barnes McKeever is a writer, researcher, and UC Berkeley graduate whose lifelong interests include history, genealogy, social experience, and the stories of women across generations. After tracing more than 18,000 individuals through twelve years of genealogical research, Beverly became increasingly aware of how often women appeared only briefly in historical records, or were remembered primarily through the people around them.
Her work invites readers to examine those stories with curiosity, context, and a willingness to look again.
Beverly Barnes McKeever is a writer, researcher, and UC Berkeley graduate whose lifelong work has centered on justice, history, and women’s lived experiences. After tracing more than 18,000 people through twelve years of genealogical research, she discovered how often women’s stories had been distorted, diminished, or erased.
About the Book
RIBS OFF AN OLD TREE
History often tells us who won. It does not always tell us who was silenced. Ribs Off an Old Tree examines the lives of twelve women whose influence reached across kingdoms, faiths, families, revolutions, and generations.
Some were queens. Some were mothers. Some were warriors, reformers, survivors, or spiritual figures. Many were judged by records written long after their deaths, often by men who viewed female authority as dangerous. Beverly Barnes McKeever returns to their stories with a searching question: What happens when we look beyond the labels history gave them?
History often tells us who won. It does not always tell us who was silenced. Ribs Off an Old Tree examines the lives of twelve women whose influence reached across kingdoms, faiths, families, revolutions, and generations.
Some were queens. Some were mothers. Some were warriors, reformers, survivors, or spiritual figures. Many were judged by records written long after their deaths, often by men who viewed female authority as dangerous. Beverly Barnes McKeever returns to their stories with a searching question: What happens when we look beyond the labels history gave them?
Aging with Dignity
No Woman Should Become Invisible With Age
For many older women, especially widows and those living alone, aging can bring a new set of challenges. The loss of a spouse may also mean the loss of income, financial security, health coverage, transportation, or everyday support. For women who spent years caring for families instead of building retirement savings, later life can become especially uncertain.
This is not only a financial issue. It is about dignity, independence, safety, and the right to remain part of the community.
Older women deserve access to stable housing, health care, reliable income, social connection, and services that allow them to live with confidence rather than fear. Families, communities, policymakers, and younger generations all have a role to play in making sure women are not forgotten once they reach old age.
A woman’s value does not decrease when she becomes a widow, retires, or needs support.
Her life still matters. Her voice still matters. Her future still matters.
Themes
“Women need hope, and to know the pitfalls of the traps that are set for them.”
BREAKING THE SILENCE
in the physician’s office, and in the pew. These are the conversations we are ready to have.
our blogs
Blogs We have
Why Twelve Women, Why Now
Ribs of an Old Tree did not begin as a book. It began as a question, asked quietly at a kitchen table over old photographs and county records: where did we actually come from.
The Pattern That Repeats
Read enough history & a pattern begins to surface, one that has nothing to do with the century, the country, or the faith involved. A woman speaks with authority, & she becomes dangerous.
The Rib That Protects the Heart
For centuries, one small detail from the book of Genesis has carried an outsized weight. Eve, the story goes, was formed from one of Adam’s ribs, and that detail has been used again and again
Pillars of Empowerment
The Body Is the Temple
Whole Body
Voice Worth
Know Your Worth
Discussion
Free Discussion Guide for Book Clubs, Churches & Educators
Join the Conversation
Have a question about the book, a historical woman whose story deserves greater attention, or an invitation for an interview, event, book club, or speaking opportunity?
Beverly welcomes thoughtful conversations with readers, researchers, educators, book clubs, community groups, and organizations interested in women’s history, well-being, genealogy, and the lessons that can be carried from one generation to the next.
beverly@gmail.com
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