News Release

Storytellers to Visit Surrounding Schools, Inspiring Students Through the Power of Storytelling

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 10, 2024

Contact: Daniel Banks, 423-569-9778

Oneida, Tennessee – Next week, the school districts in the six counties that surround Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will welcome a talented lineup of storytellers who will engage students through interactive performances that celebrate culture, history, and creativity. These visits, happening throughout the week, aim to bring the art of storytelling directly to young audiences, fostering a sense of community while sparking a love for storytelling.

Big South Fork will bring world-renowned storytellers to over 13,000 students in more than 30 schools. These programs take place during the week leading up to the 32nd annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Traditional arts and crafts will be included as part of the storytelling festival along with craft classes offered throughout the day.

Featured storytellers —Kucha Brownlee, Baba Tony Brown, Rona Leventhal, Paul Strickland, and Darci Tucker, through dynamic performances that include drumming, singing, and audience interaction, will craft immersive experiences that not only ignite creativity and promote cultural appreciation but also leave a lasting impact on students, inspiring them to explore their own storytelling potential.

Storytelling predates writing, with the earliest forms of storytelling usually oral combined with gestures and expressions. Stories have been shared in every culture as a means of entertainment, education, cultural preservation, and instilling moral values. 

These school visits will build excitement for the Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival on September 21 at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center area. This culminating festival performance promises to bring the week's celebration of storytelling to a vibrant and unforgettable close.

For additional information on this special event as well as other events, call [phone], or visit online: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/storytelling.htm.

www.nps.gov

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