State of Stories is a series of free public programs commemorating the Missouri Bicentennial. Developed by The Story Center at Mid-Continent Public Library and the University of Missouri Extension Community Arts Program, programs will explore Missouri history and culture through storytelling performances and workshops, book conversations, lectures, a publication, and other activities.
A cornerstone of State of Stories programming is an oral storytelling component, a series of four performances and workshops by master Missouri storytellers. Performances at various MCPL branches will entertain and educate audiences of all ages and represent traditions from across the state. Workshops will help emerging storytellers develop skills and techniques for researching and telling historical stories. Facilitated by a Kansas City-based professional storyteller, participants completing the sequence of workshops will have the opportunity to tell a five to seven-minute story as part of the state Bicentennial celebration in August 2021.
Storytelling Performances
Shadowball: The Negro Baseball Leagues
Friday, August 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Facebook Live
Performed by Bobby Norfolk, Shadowball takes the audience on a fascinating journey through the heyday of the Negro Baseball Leagues, a time when this country was segregated by Jim Crow laws, and America’s “National Pastime” wore two faces, the whites-only Major Leagues and the upstart Negro National League. Historical slides and period music enhance this emotional performance, illustrating the clash of race, sports and culture.
Storytelling Workshops
Teaching History Through Storytelling: An Introductory Workshop
Teaching History Through Storytelling: An Introductory Workshop
Saturday, August 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
ZOOM
Following the previous evening’s performance, Bobby Norfolk discusses the basics of historical storytelling, from a general overview of researching and using resources for finding good stories, drawing on historical narratives to find engaging and inspiring characters, and transforming story and character into a tell-able historical tale.
Lectures and Book Conversations
The Story of Latinos in Kansas City
Wednesday, September 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Latinos have deep historical roots in the Kansas City metropolitan area, dating back to the days of the Santa Fe Trail. Dr. Sandra Enriquez, Assistant Professor of History & Director of Public History Emphasis at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, discusses how Latinos have shaped Kansas City’s society, politics, and culture throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
Registration coming soon
Book Conversation: One by One by Nicholas Bush
Book Conversation: One by One by Nicholas Bush
Thursday, October 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Kansas City-based author Nicholas Bush discusses his memoir about the opioid crisis, One by One: A Memoir of Love and Loss in the Shadows of Recovery.
Registration coming soon