Now retired from a long and distinguished career in education and library science, Harriet E. Foley, née Fealy, worked with the Carlisle Public Schools in Carlisle, Ohio, for over 25 years. After graduating from college with a degree in education, she began teaching, initially to elementary students for four years and then secondary French for an additional two years. However, after just a few years in the classroom, Ms. Foley developed a strong desire to work in the library. Attending summer school while teaching full-time, she completed a Master of Library Science and was fortunate to quickly transition into the role of a school librarian within the district, where she remained for more than 20 years until her retirement in 1982.
A talented writer and editor in the fields of local history and genealogy, Ms. Foley first edited “Carlisle, the Jersey Settlement in Ohio, 1800-1980” in two successive editions. She later edited two editions of “Franklin in the Great Miami Valley” before co-authoring her first book, titled “The Foley’s from County Clare.” A 300-page collaboration with her husband, Thomas Foley, the two later gifted the books to all of their nieces and nephews and their children as wedding presents. Additionally, Ms. Foley authored “History of Saint Mary Parish: 1867-1967,” followed by “150 Year History of Saint Mary Church: 1868-2018.”
A leader in her community, Ms. Foley is passionate about contributing her expertise to others. She notably maintained activity as a trustee and secretary for the Carlisle Federal Credit Union between 1962 and 2008. She also excelled on the Bicentennial Committee for the Town of Franklin, Ohio, and was active on various committees such as the Otterbein-Lebanon Retirement Community committee. Recently, Ms. Foley served as a trustee for the Conover Health Center during 2016 and has been the secretary.
Obtaining a Bachelor of Education at the College of Mount Saint Joseph in Cincinnati in 1957, followed by a Master of Library Science at the University of Kentucky in 1961, Ms. Foley likewise completed postgraduate coursework at Kent State University during 1965. She is a certified elementary education teacher and is certified in library science in the State of Ohio. Following the same path as her parents, Ms. Foley’s father was notably an elementary school principal and her mother a Latin, French and English teacher.
Ms. Foley has remained a figure in her professional community through memberships with prominent educational organizations. She is a life member of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association, a member and former secretary and treasurer of the Ohio Association of School Libraries, and a member of the American Library Association and the Ohio Educational Library and Media Association. Ms. Foley is also active as a local chapter treasurer of the Daughters of the American Revolution, treasurer of the Warren County Genealogical Society and a member of several other avocational organizations, such as the Magna Charter Dames and the Ohio Genealogical Society. Named to the Franklin High School Hall of Fame in 2003 and named Citizen of the Year by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce in 2007, Ms. Foley is also a celebrated Marquis listee who has been showcased in over a dozen editions of Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education and Who’s Who in the Midwest.
