George Washington Carver National Monument Storytelling Day

George Washington Carver National Monument is pleased to host the 7th annual “Storytelling Day” on Saturday August 26, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This event celebrates the National Park Service’s 107^th birthday (August 25, 2023) and focuses on stories of American culture and history. Come hear the stories of diverse experiences and special places and spaces from these dynamic storytellers. Our history is part of who we were, who we are, and who we will be. This event takes place outdoors under a tent and is FREE of charge. Everyone is encouraged to bring a lawn chair and a sack lunch and stay for all three performances. Storytelling Day is co-sponsored by the Carver Birthplace Association, with support from the Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau.

11:00 a.m. This Side Up, The Story of Henry “Box” Brown (as portrayed by Bobby Norfolk) – Journey back to this historical era of the Underground Railroad in this theatrical reenactment of one man’s struggle for emancipation. Emmy Award winning storyteller Bobby Norfolk breathes life into the amazing story of an enslaved man turned hero, along with other tales of ordinary people taking extraordinary risks in the name of freedom. 

12:00 p.m.  Greg Bilby (Cherokee Storyteller) – Greg received his degree in Journalism from Oklahoma State University and serves as public health educator and outreach coordinator for the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, OK. His passion is storytelling, and he will share stories of Cherokee history, heritage, and heroes. 

1:00 p.m. Janice Katambwa “Mama Katawbwa” (African/African American Storyteller) – Janice will share African & African American Tradition & Culture. She is a storyteller who “puts the audience to work ” by engaging the audience using audience participation, props, puppets, costumes, and musical instruments.

Administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver – scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri on Highway V, then ¼ mile south on Carver Road. For more information, please call the park at 417-325-4151 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., visit the park website at www.nps.gov/gwca, or visit the park Facebook page.