02/01/2026
The Jewish Genealogical Society presents Stitching History into Story: The Research Behind Historical Fiction given by Jane Loeb Rubin on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 1:30 pm ET. This program is via webinar only.
The Gilded City series explores the immigrant experience in NYC from the late 1880 through WW1. It was inspired by her great-grandmother, Mathilda (Tillie), who arrived in New York City in 1866 as a baby, at sixteen, married a man twelve years her senior, and later died of “a woman’s disease.” Ms. Rubin was left imagining Tillie’s life, her rise in the Garment Industry, her fight with terminal disease, and the circumstances surrounding her death.
Her research of the history of NYC, the Lower East Side, reproductive laws, and WW1 has culminated in a suspenseful, fast-paced, award-winning three-book historical series.
This program is free and open to the public.
Use this link to register:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/TBtP2SHkT1SF0gVtLHIVBw #/registration
A cancer diagnosis unveiling a genetic defect, together with a lifelong fascination with the history of medicine, propelled Jane Rubin to put pen to paper. In 2009, then a healthcare executive, Jane poured her energy into raising research dollars for ovarian cancer Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) while learning more about her familial roots. Her research led her to Mathilda (Tillie), her great-grandmother, who arrived in New York City in 1866 as a baby, at sixteen, married a man twelve years her senior, and later died of “a woman’s disease.” Then, the trail ran cold. With limited facts, she was determined to give Tillie an exciting fictional life of her own.
Her research of the history of New York City, its ultra-conservative reproductive laws, and the state of medicine during that era has culminated in a suspenseful, fast-paced, award-winning three-book historical series. Her engaging characters are confronted with the shifting role of midwives, the dangers of pregnancy, the infamous Blackwell’s Workhouse, and the perilous road to financial success. In the Hands of Women, 5/23 (Level Best Books) and its prequel, Threadbare, 5/24 (Level Best Books), have been enjoyed by fans of historical fiction. Over There, the third in the trilogy (6/25 Level Best Books), will transport members of the Isaacson family into the heart of France in World War 1, challenging the family values they dearly cherish. Over There was shortlisted by the Historical Novel Society for the 2024 First Chapters Competition.
Jane’s other publications include an essay memoir, Almost a Princess, My Life as a Two-Time Cancer Survivor (2009 Next Generation - Finalist), and multiple magazine articles. She writes a monthly blog, Musings, reflecting on her post-healthcare career experiences and writing journey.
Ms. Rubin, a graduate of the University of Michigan (BS, MS) and Washington University (MBA), retired from a 30-year career as a healthcare executive to begin writing full-time. She lives with her husband, David, an attorney, in Northern New Jersey. Between them, they have five adult children and seven grandchildren.
