Diane is the author of two award-winning books:
New England Court Records: A Research Guide for Genealogists and Historians
Quill Pen Press, 2006. Winner of Benjamin Franklin Awards (Independent Book Publishers Association) for Best History and Best Reference, and finalist for Best New Voice in Nonfiction; and Best Genealogical Resource Award, Connecticut Society of Genealogists. Praised by genealogists, historians, librarians, and archivists as the definitive guide to researching New England court records from the 17th to the 21st centuries.
- “The essential reference to understand and locate legal records in the New England states.” Ancestry Daily News, Ancestry.com.
- “A valuable reference tool as well as a training manual for historians and genealogists interested in New England.” Booklist, American Library Association.
- “What an amazing resource! Librarians, historians and genealogists should run, not walk, to buy this book.” Mary Beth Norton, Professor of History, Cornell University. See other reviews…
The Naked Quaker: True Crimes and Controversies from the Courts of Colonial New England
Commonwealth Editions, 2007. Finalist, ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Award for History. Received regional and national praise—from Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Harvard Magazine, Women’s National Book Association, and many other reviewers.
- “Rapaport combines the skills of an experienced trial lawyer with the art of fine storytelling to present a scholarly and richly readable record of the times and trials of early New Englanders.” National Genealogical Society Quarterly
- “Call it Court TV meets the History Channel.” Denise Davis, Boston Globe. Read full article…
- “A marvel of New England storytelling. Highly entertaining and grounded in the best scholarship.” D. Brenton Simons, President and CEO, New England Historic Genealogical Society. See other reviews…
Articles
Diane also has authored more than 70 articles, published in genealogical and historical journals, including her popular “Tales from the Courthouse” column, which appeared for many years in American Ancestors magazine (formerly New England Ancestors). “Tales from the Courthouse,” bringing history to life with true stories from colonial court records, won three Excellence in Writing Awards from the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors.