Learn the art of storytelling at Bridgton museum

BRIDGTON — The Rufus Porter Museum will offer classes with storyteller and oral historian Jo Radner this summer.

Anyone who knows an older person whose stories should be recorded or those who want to discover pieces of their own past, turn them into stories and tell them or write them in ways that will be meaningful to listeners are encouraged to attend.

On Monday, July 5, a storytelling class will meet from 8:30 a.m. to noon, offering an active, exploratory process in which participants will find and learn ways to tell or write engaging new stories of their personal and family history.

On Saturday, July 10, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Radner will offer “The Art of Oral History,” teaching through a series of interactive exercises, good strategies for asking questions, following promising leads, triggering memories and evoking stories that demonstrate how others have found meaning in their lives.

Participants in both classes may learn useful skills and will receive handouts for future reference.

Radner lives in Lovell and creates personal tales and stories about the people and history of northern New England. She performs nationally at theaters, festivals, conferences, schools and community events, and has taught classes and workshops in storytelling and oral history for more than 20 years.

For more information about the classes, call Radner at 925-6244. For information about registration, call the museum at 647-2828 or go to www.rufusportermuseum.org.