We've heard it all before... we rejoice in the retelling!
Deb Swanegan
Biography:
Deb explains, "I was born to be a story teller. My great-grandfather determined I should be the guardian of our family stories the day I was born; I was his seventy second birthday present, and the eldest of his great-grandchildren. He passed on the stories he had been taught by word of mouth from his family; stories from the troubled days of slavery”, tribal ancestors, their family members and from all the ancestors had learned and observed. Deb also learned stories from other family members, “old fashioned church”, teachers and parents, and a myriad of multicultural friends.
Deb is also a retired Art educator, lecturer, national workshop facilitator, master teacher, seminar leader and curriculum writer. She has been a performing actress in the Missouri Repertory Theater, and The Columbia Entertainment Company Chalkboard Theatre, one of Missouri’s premier children’s theater companies. She is currently writing a book called Recollections, a collection of stories told to her by elders about their ancestors and families, and one of these days she’ll finish it….family elders keep “re-collectin’" stories she needs!
Missouri Storytelling, Inc.
(MO-TELL)
Welcome to the home of Missouri Storytelling, Inc. MO-TELL
MO-TELL was established in 1984 as Missouri's leading storytelling group for storytellers and listeners alike with the intention to promote and perpetuate storytelling throughout the state.
Throughout our history we have successfully reached Missourians by providing storytelling in the Missouri State Parks. Currently we provide storytellers to 12 state parks and/or historic sites in Missouri. We are seeking support to continue and increase our scope of venues and audiences.
Mission Statement
Missouri Storytelling, Inc. (MO-TELL) is an organization of storytellers and other interested persons dedicated to spreading the joy and the art of storytelling throughout Missouri.
Vision Statement
We envision that every Missourian will hear and share stories and keep the oral tradition alive.
Missouri Storytelling, Inc is a 501 c (3) non-profit membership organization with a board of directors consisting of the following people:
President Joyce Slater joyceslater20@gmail.com
Secretary Linda Kuntz
Treasurer Sue Hinkel suehinkel1@gmail.com
At Large Gary Kuntz galirahi@aol.com
At Large Jim Two Crows Wallen jimtwocrows@att.net
Emeritus Perrin Stifel pstifelstl@earthlink.net
The Annual meeting is held in January at a designated location.
Activities sponsored by Missouri Storytelling, Inc
Storytelling in the Missouri State Parks
The Missouri Liar's Contest
Storytelling and Story Writing Workshops
Membership Benefits
Missouri State Park storytelling opportunities
The Missouri Liar's Contest and educational opportunities
A Monthly Newsletter
Web site presence for members
Affiliation with the National Storytelling Network
Connection to all storytelling organizations in Missouri