Lola Van Wagenen is widely recognized in public records as the first wife of actor and director Robert Redford, yet her footprint extends far beyond a Hollywood marriage. Born in Provo, Utah, in 1938, Van Wagenen built a distinguished career as an American historian, environmental activist, and documentary filmmaker. While her decades-long relationship with Redford frequently captures public curiosity, her independent academic achievements and nonprofit leadership paint a much fuller picture of her life's work.
Understanding Van Wagenen requires looking past celebrity trivia to examine her contributions to environmental advocacy and women's history. From co-founding consumer and environmental organizations in the 1970s to earning a Ph.D. in American history from New York University later in life, she forged a path defined by rigorous scholarship and civic engagement.
Early Life and Meeting Robert Redford
Raised in a Mormon family in Utah, Van Wagenen crossed paths with Robert Redford in Los Angeles in 1957. At the time, Redford was a young, struggling aspiring actor trying to establish himself, while Van Wagenen was pursuing her own path. The couple married on August 9, 1958, in Las Vegas, before moving to New York City where Redford pursued theater work.
Their early years involved financial hardship and profound personal tragedy. In 1959, they experienced the sudden loss of their firstborn son, Scott, who died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) at just five months old. Despite this grief, they went on to raise three surviving children: Shauna, David, and Amy.
As Redford's career skyrocketed into international stardom, the couple maintained a relatively grounded household for years, though the pressures of public life and personal hardships—including severe health battles faced by their son David—weighed heavily on the family. After 27 years together, the couple quietly separated and finalized their divorce in 1985. Both parties handled the split amicably without public scandal, focusing on the shared upbringing of their children.
Environmental Activism and Nonprofit Leadership
Long before environmentalism became a mainstream corporate talking point, Van Wagenen was active in the conservation and consumer protection movements. In 1970, she co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN), a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about environmental pollution and consumer rights. CAN played a notable role in raising awareness regarding household product safety and air quality.
Her civic involvement extended into federal advisory roles during the 1970s. She served on the Task Force on Appropriate Technology with the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment in 1977 and later joined the National Commission on the International Year of the Child in 1979. Over the decades, she lent her leadership to numerous boards, including Shelburne Farms, the Vermont Historical Society, and the New York Women's Foundation.
Academic Pursuits and Historical Scholarship
While raising a family and managing public responsibilities, Van Wagenen pursued higher education later than traditional timelines dictate, demonstrating exceptional academic dedication. She earned her bachelor's degree from Vermont College in 1982, followed by a master's degree in public history from New York University (NYU) in 1984.
She didn't stop there. Van Wagenen continued her studies at NYU, completing her Ph.D. in American history. Her academic focus centered on nineteenth-century social movements, specifically examining the intersection of political rights and religious structures.
Her doctoral dissertation culminated in the acclaimed 2003 book, Sister-Wives and Suffragists: Polygamy and the Politics of Woman Suffrage 1870–1896, published by Koffler. The book explores how Mormon women navigated political enfranchisement and campaigned for women's suffrage during a complex era of American history.
Film Production and Clio Visualizing History
Combining her passion for history and media, Van Wagenen transitioned into documentary filmmaking. In 1995, she co-founded Clio Visualizing History, Inc., a non-profit organization created to promote history education through engaging digital media, online exhibits, and documentary films.
Her work as an executive producer brought lesser-known historical narratives to broader audiences via public television. Notable projects include:
- Miss America: A Documentary Film: A feature-length historical exploration broadcast on the PBS series American Experience in January 2002, examining the cultural evolution of the iconic pageant.
- The State of Marriage: A 2015 documentary chronicling the historic legal battle for marriage equality originating in Vermont.
Later Life and Second Marriage
In July 2002, Van Wagenen married Dr. George Burrill, an international development expert and founder of ARD, who also served as the Honorary Consul from New Zealand to Vermont. The couple settled in Vermont, engaging deeply in local philanthropy and educational support.
Together, they established the New American Scholarship Fund at Champlain College in 2012 and have actively contributed to international scholarship committees, such as the Robertson Scholars selection panel for Duke University and the University of North Carolina. Today, Van Wagenen maintains a quiet, active life focused on historical preservation, philanthropy, and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lola Van Wagenen born?
Lola Van Wagenen was born on December 19, 1938, in Provo, Utah.
How long was Lola Van Wagenen married to Robert Redford?
SheLola Van Wagenen and Robert Redford: Inside Their History
Biography
Lola Van Wagenen is an American historian, environmental activist, and co-founder of the Utah Women's History Association and Consumer Action Now. However, popular search interest heavily centers on her past marriage to Hollywood icon Robert Redford. Their connection spanned nearly three decades, bridging the worlds of independent filmmaking, grassroots environmental activism, and family life in the mountains of Utah.
When people search for Lola Van Wagenen inside Robert, they are looking to understand how their relationship shaped both individuals, why they parted ways, and what Van Wagenen achieved independently of her famous ex-husband. Far from being a mere footnote in a celebrity biography, Van Wagenen built an impressive career as a public historian and environmental advocate who left a distinct mark on American conservation efforts.
Early Life and Academic Background
Born in December 1938, Lola Van Wagenen grew up with a strong interest in history and public education. Before crossing paths with Robert Redford, she pursued rigorous academic goals. She earned her bachelor's degree and later returned to graduate school to complete a master's degree and a Ph.D. in history from New York University, focusing her doctoral dissertation on the women's suffrage movement in the United States.
Her academic grounding shaped her worldview. She didn't view history as a collection of static dates. Instead, she saw it as a dynamic tool for social change. This perspective heavily influenced her later work in public history, documentary production, and environmental advocacy.
The Marriage to Robert Redford
Lola Van Wagenen and Robert Redford married in 1958 when both were young adults establishing their paths in life. At the time, Redford was studying art and acting, while Van Wagenen shared his love for the outdoors and independence. They welcomed four children: Scott (who tragically passed away in infancy), James, Amy, and Shauna.
The couple weathered the meteoric rise of Redford's acting career during the 1960s and 1970s. While Redford starred in cinematic classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, Van Wagenen managed the household and cared for their children, often splitting time between New York City, Los Angeles, and a growing property footprint in Utah.
Maintaining privacy in the glare of Hollywood proved challenging. Van Wagenen balanced the demands of public life with a desire to keep her family grounded. Despite the pressures of fame, the marriage lasted for 27 years before they divorced amicably in 1985. Both parties moved forward with mutual respect, focusing heavily on the well-being of their surviving children.
Environmental Activism and Consumer Action
Long before sustainability became a corporate buzzword, Van Wagenen put environmentalism into practice. In 1970, she co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN), an organization dedicated to educating the public about environmental pollution and the ecological impact of household consumer goods. Through CAN, she organized educational campaigns, testified before Congress, and pushed for cleaner energy policies.
Her activism wasn't limited to urban consumer advocacy. She also channeled her energy into land preservation. Her work alongside environmental groups helped lay the groundwork for modern conservation movements that value local ecosystems. You can read more about broader conservation efforts through the National Park Service.
Clio Visualizing History and Public Education
Education remained central to Van Wagenen's mission. In 1995, she co-founded Clio Visualizing History, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing overlooked stories of women and minorities into mainstream educational curricula. Clio produced educational films, web projects, and primary-source teaching tools designed for schools and universities.
Through Clio, Van Wagenen bridged the gap between academic research and public engagement. She understood that traditional history textbooks often ignored women's contributions to American society. Her projects sought to correct that imbalance, ensuring that students encountered a more complete version of history.
Utah Women's History and Local Preservation
Van Wagenen's dedication to historical preservation extended to her longtime home state of Utah. She co-founded the Utah Women's History Association to document and celebrate the pioneering women who shaped the American West. Her efforts helped preserve historic sites and ensured that local archives captured the struggles and triumphs of early female settlers, educators, and activists.
Her work in Utah mirrored her national projects: a relentless focus on making history accessible to the public. She frequently collaborated with state historical societies and academic institutions, supporting initiatives that highlighted western history through an inclusive lens.
Life After Divorce
Following her divorce from Robert Redford in 1985, Van Wagenen married George Burrill, an expert in international development and former president of the School for International Training, in 2002. This partnership aligned with her lifelong interest in global education and community development.
While Redford remained in the public eye as an actor and the founder of the Sundance Institute, Van Wagenen maintained a quieter, highly productive profile centered on academia, writing, and environmental stewardship. She proved that a high-profile separation doesn't define a person's life work. Instead, she redirected her energy into long-term systemic change.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lola Van Wagenen married to Robert Redford?
They were married from 1958 until their divorce in 1985, spanning a total of 27 years. They shared four children together during this period.
What is Lola Van Wagenen's profession?
She is a professional historian, educator, and environmental activist. She holds a Ph.D. in history from New York University and co-founded several non-profit organizations focused on education and conservation.
Did Lola Van Wagenen remarry?
Yes. She married George Burrill in 2002. Burrill is an academic and international development specialist.
What organizations did Lola Van Wagenen found?
She co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN) in 1970, Clio Visualizing History in 1995, and the Utah Women's History Association. Each organization focuses on public education, historical inclusion, or environmental protection.
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