Our History

Talesmag.com

Tales from a Small Planet (Tales) went online in 1999 as www.talesmag.com and has proven its staying power with the dedication of its semi-volunteer team. The founders of Tales were accompanying spouses of U.S. diplomats, concerned with sharing information to help families like theirs make good decisions when seeking a new posting, especially taking into account the well-being of accompanying spouses, partners, children and other family members, many with special needs. The team quickly expanded the site’s reach to all those who might be choosing a new country of residence, including development workers, international educators, corporate employees, retirees, Peace Corps volunteers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and many more.

Listen to Tales from a Small Planet: How It All Began:

Founders

Francesca Huemer Kelly: Co-Founder

Francesca Huemer Kelly has accompanied her husband, Ambassador Ian Kelly (now retired), to Milan, Leningrad, Moscow, Belgrade, Vienna (twice), Ankara, Rome, Brussels and Tbilisi, as well as to Washington, and now, Chicago. She has worked as a freelance writer (Salon, Family Circle and more) and an editor for Foreign Service Journal, and is currently a college application essay coach at essayadvantage.net. Classically trained as a singer, she has performed in professional ensembles overseas and in the U.S. for 40 years, and is the mother of four grown children.

Fritz Galt: Co-Founder

Fritz Galt has accompanied his spouse on numerous overseas assignments for the U.S. Department of State. He is happy that Talesmag continues to thrive, listening to the voices of a community of people who forge a life overseas. He wishes the website well and hopes it continues its spirit of openness, irreverence and interactivity.