When asked if her work is spreading knowledge and encouraging people to explore on their own, she exclaimed, “That’s exactly what we’re hoping! I have had people write to me who are inspired to study ancient history [for Egypt among other locales]. We really wanted to show that these people are, well, people. That’s important.”

While Colleen’s pursuits are spectacular, they are shrouded in humility. She is the first to explain what she still does not know and is in search of discovering. Vintage fashion shopping is one of the many cherished quests that bring her joy. Her favorite haunts include stores in Paris and closer to home in Connecticut; she also attends the Manhattan Vintage show thrice yearly. “You get to know dealers,” she noted.

Her extensive collection emphasizes the 20’s and 30’s - “I love the aesthetic and the way the clothes are proportioned”, but does feature some pieces -- “worn solely for photoshoots” from 1820’s and 1830’s. Stored “flat and with [conservation level] acid free tissue paper,” her fashion collection fits her body as well as her spirit.