Multi-Cultural Programming

To Begin This Weekend At IAIS

WASHINGTON — The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) will pilot a monthly program of family activities and story-telling events this year. Each month, a featured storyteller will be invited to perform at the museum, with all programs suitable for families and participants of all ages.

On Sunday, January 23, IAIS will welcome back a favorite storyteller, Shari Lynn of New Milford. Ms Lynn will present a program entitled “The Oral Tradition — Stories of the Jewish People.” The afternoon will offer a collection of Jewish folk tales (called Torah, or Old Testament stories) and Midrach (concerning stories about those in the Torah), along with Jewish songs in Hebrew and English. The program, as is tradition with Shari Lynn’s appearances, will be high energy and participatory.

Ms Lynn has been a professional storyteller since 1987, and has appeared at The Connecticut Storytelling Festival, National Havurah Summer Institute, A New England New Year, First Night Mystic, and seven Tellabration! Events statewide. Tellabration! is a worldwide storytelling event for adults that is held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

She has also appeared at countless schools, senior and community centers, churches, synagogues, malls, fairs and festivals throughout the state. Having specialized in performances for young children and families, Ms Lynn is known throughout her home state for her warm heart, vibrant energy and the participatory nature of her programs.

The presentation will be held at 2 pm. It will be preceded by an hour of multi-cultural activities for children and families presented by IAIS educators.

Cost is $4 for adults, $2 for children ages 6 to 16. Connecticut educators can earn .1 CEU by participating in the event.

For additional information, IAIS can be contacted by calling 860/868-0518.