Commonwealth Speakers:Telling Our Stories
Commonwealth Speaker Nancy K. Loane uses letters from Valley Forge to explore the lives of American soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
Love Letters from Valley Forge
For many, "Valley Forge" means George Washington, a few beleaguered officers, and miserable men gathered around a camp fire. The soldiers and officers of the Valley Forge encampment were determined and courageous. But many were also lonesome, as they had left behind their beloved wives and cherished families. Nancy Loane presents a first-hand glimpse of life at the encampment through the soldiers' letters, which share their thoughts on such topics as living in the huts, their spare time activities, and the possible outcomes of the war. Requirements: Display table and microphone.
Nancy K. Loane, Ed.D., Field Interpretation Volunteer, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Valley Forge
All Stories Are True - and Some Have Actually Happened
As long as people talk to one another, the oral tradition is tenacious and strong. Most stories from this tradition aren't concerned as much with literal truth - but they reflect truths about the human condition and culture. Participants will hear a variety of folk tales, urban legends, and family anecdotes, and they'll have the chance to discuss how the stories, jokes and songs they've heard themselves have been handed down from generation to generation. Requirements: CD/Cassette player.
Kelly Armor, Folk Art Coordinator and Education Director, Erie Art Museum, Erie
Listening to Your Community's Story
The power of story has long been known to griots, storytellers, cantadoras and others who practice this mythic art. However, only recently in American culture has the role of the story in improving individual, family and community lives begun to be recognized. Storyteller Cora Hook will teach participants methods and techniques for unearthing and listening to vital stories from their own communities. Requirements: Display table and LCD projector. Microphone and CD/cassette player preferred.
Cora E. Hook, Storyteller, Writer and Actress, Bethlehem
Pennsylvania's Rogues and Rascals
History books usually focus on exemplary figures and virtuous heroes, but Pennsylvania's history is filled with the other sort of men and women as well: the rogues and rascals, the characters who play by a different set of rules, whose chief interest is their own gain and glory. Yet these rascals also play a part in creating who we are today. Discover rogues like Mike Fink (the king of Ohio), a collection of war-time spies, thieves, mobs, the "wickedest man on earth" and more with storyteller Alan Irvine.
Alan Irvine, Ph.D., Professional Storyteller and Visiting Professor of Sociology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
Storytelling: It's Not Just for Children Anymore - But Then It Never Was
What makes a story work, as an intimate art form? Is it the tale? Is it how it's told? Using a selection of stories published in children's book format, Jan Kinney demonstrates the art of storytelling and explains how meaningful connections can be made through stories that tell us about each other. Participants will be encouraged to try their own hands at the art, interpreting short selections in a workshop component. Microphone preferred.
David Clippinger, Ph.D., Visiting Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
Telling Family Stories: A Talk and Workshop
Every family has a story, and everybody has a story about family. It is never too late to find - or to imagine and create - stories from the past. In this talk and workshop, Sharon O'Brien will discuss the ways in which American culture and history shape family experience and give examples of family memoirs. Participants will perform a short writing exercise intended to give them the seed of their own story. No writing experience is necessary to participate. Requirements: Display table and LCD projector.
Sharon J. O'Brien, Ph.D., Professor of American Studies and English, Dickenson College, Carlisle
The Welsh Dragon's Tongues
Beth Phillips Brown and Jodee James weave stories and songs about Welsh and Welsh-American history as Merched Madoc. Welsh immigrants have been an important part of Pennsylvania's history from the days of William Penn through the Industrial Revolution, but their contributions to Pennsylvania are often overlooked. Audience members will come away from Merched Madoc's performance with a good understanding of basic facts about Wales, Welsh history and culture, and the role of Welsh-Americans through Pennsylvania's history. Requirements: 2 vocal microphones, 1 guitar microphone.
Beth Phillips Brown, poet and storyteller, Media, and Jodee James, Musician (resides in Hope, New Jesey)