I grew up about 9 miles from Philadelphia in South Jersey. I worked in Philly at various times in my life and even lived there, in Queen Village, briefly. Thus, I’ve always considered the City of Brotherly Love my city.
I’m happy, therefore, that my city’s Historic Philadelphia Web site — and the city itself — are so story oriented. That’s one thing I’m celebrating on this, our nation’s 233rd birthday. Here’s what the site says:
Give the story of American Independence a little more personality. Hear history from the lips of the founding fathers themselves. Sneak into Independence Hall after hours. Get the true stories from professional storytellers, right in the places where history happened. Historic Philadelphia. History that speaks to you.
One particularly cool aspect is the city’s 13 Storytelling Benches, described like this:
Hear riveting stories of American history even most adults have never heard at 13 charming Storytelling Benches scattered around the Historic Philadelphia area. Our Once Upon A Nation storytellers aren’t dressed in colonial garb, but they’ll effortlessly transport you back in time as you sit on spacious and comfortable teak benches, all an easy stroll from one another. Stories last just a few minutes each and are told continuously during operating hours. You can start at any of the benches, all clearly marked with a “Once Upon A Nation” sign. And it’s completely FREE!
Happy Independence Day, America!
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The "Once Upon a Nation" program in Philly is excellent. Directed by Geoffrey Berwind, it combines theater and storytelling in an amalgamation similar to what most performance storytellers do. They have trained their tellers in both theater and storytelling, one of the few programs to acknowledge that the two art forms are different.
It's very intimate time with folks on the small benches as you have described.
I think you would really enjoy one of your interviews with Geoffrey. I have talked to him at length, having attended a number of events with him. I am happy to make the introduction, if you'd like.
Kind regards,
Sean
When did you start using stories in your career? Stories are an important part of many different cultures, but they are not necessarily valued as an important part of a person's work or career in the United States (unless you are a published author.) We are just starting to learn about the importance of telling stories in interviews, but I find that most people, including myself, find it difficult. Although some people have a natural ability to tell stories, I believe it is an art and skill that anyone can learn. Do you naturally tell stories?
Excuse the double entry. I got an error message saying the comment wasn't sent. Apparently it went through. Thanks for the stories, Kathy.
How very cool that you know the originator, Sean. I haven't been to Philly in a long time but would love to see the "Once Upon a Nation" program up close.
Very interesting about training the distinction between theater ands storytelling.
Yes, I would love an introduction to Geoffrey to pursue a Q&A.
I don't think I consciously started using storytelling in my own job search until I researched storytelling in the job search for my dissertation and book.
I agree that storytelling probably doesn't come as naturally to some people as to others, and that we must all trey to learn the skill.
Two of my Q&A subjects, Karen Dietz and Lori Silverman, predict that storytelling will become a core business competency.
Despite my fascination with stories, I don't actually think of myself as a natural storyteller; however, when others are telling stories, I often find myself editing in my head -- thinking of how they could be telling the story better.