Michael Olmert

Born in Washington, D.C. and holds degrees in English Literature from Georgetown University (M.A.) and the University of Maryland (Ph.D). Teaches Shakespeare, Medieval Studies, 18th Century Studies, and Contemporary British Drama at the University of Maryland. Has published three books: "The Official Guide to Colonial Williamsburg" (1985); "The Smithsonian Book of Books" (1992); and "Milton's Teeth & Ovid's Umbrella" (Simon & Schuster, 1996). Has written over 70 documentaries on cultural history and natural history, for Discovery, TLC, Smithsonian, and National Geographic. Has written over 200 articles, book reviews, and essays in such magazines as Smithsonian, Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Preservation, The Washington Post, and the New York Times. Was awarded Emmys in both 2001 and 2002 for television documentary writing.