On Christmas Day in 1974, a young Michelle Miller Burns received her first Nancy Drew book, The Thirteenth Pearl, setting the stage for a lifelong passion.
Years later, Burns has not only continued to collect these iconic mysteries but credits them with shaping her journey from a budding violinist to the president and CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Reflecting on her early fascination, Burns sees much of herself in Nancy Drew, stating, “She was courageous and curious. She was smart, she was adventuresome. That showed me that a young woman could be all of those things in society.”
Burns emphasizes the ongoing importance of representation for young women in today’s world, a message she feels remains relevant.
Her career trajectory is impressive, with previous leadership roles at the Minnesota Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
In an interview, she took a moment to detail her cherished Nancy Drew book collection.
“My Nancy Drew collection runs a range of time from some of the earliest editions in the 1930s to contemporary editions,” she explained.
The collection is meticulously organized on her shelves: contemporary editions reside on the top, books from her childhood published in the ’50s and ’60s take up the middle shelf, while a few original 1930s versions sit on the bottom left.
When asked about how she started her collection, Burns shared a poignant story.
While working at the Newberry Library in Chicago, Burns participated in an annual book fair where people donated books from their personal collections for fundraising purposes.
One day, her parents visited and brought along a box of books intended for donation.
As she sifted through the contents, she came across her childhood Nancy Drew books and a few Hardy Boys novels.
Inside one of the books was her own inscription, marking the Christmas when she was only five years old.
This discovery triggered a deep sense of nostalgia, compelling her to keep the books rather than let them go.
From there, Burns gradually expanded her collection by scouring vintage shops and antiques stores, leading to what she describes as a slippery slope into extensive collecting.
Today, her collection continues to grow as she seeks out more titles on her adventures in vintage shopping.
The Nancy Drew books occupy a special place in her home.
Located in a front room designed as a multipurpose library, the collection was thoughtfully placed for both practicality and ambiance.
“We chose to put it here in this room because it’s the only room that had enough wall space to accommodate the bookcase,” she noted.
The natural light from the front windows adds to the inviting atmosphere, allowing her to enjoy the books in comfort.
Speaking about her feelings toward the collection, Burns expressed that the books evoke nostalgia and empowerment.
“They make me feel like I can sort of live vicariously through the adventures of Nancy Drew,” she said.
The collection signifies more than just a personal hobby; it represents grounding and familiarity for Burns.
“It’s something that I’ve had for a long time and has moved with me to each place I’ve gone in my life since childhood,” she conveyed.
For Burns, the books are a comforting presence that provide continuity as she navigates different stages and places in her life.
Even as they’ve been rearranged and displayed differently in each new home, the collection has allowed her to maintain a sense of stability and comfort.
The Nancy Drew books, to Burns, are more than just literary adventures; they are a heartfelt connection to her past and a commitment to the values of courage, curiosity, and empowerment for future generations of women.
In a world that continues to highlight the need for representation and strong role models, Burns embodies the spirit of Nancy Drew, using her experiences to inspire others while remaining forever grateful for the books that ignited her passion.
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