Keeping those favorite family stories alive – such as the time when the dog ate the Thanksgiving turkey, adventures from Aunt Becky’s move from Boston to Phoenix – isn’t easy. It’s an art form.
The City of Tempe and Arizona State University will offer a series of free workshops to help people preserve their past and learn the art of storytelling. This is not traditional genealogy – research techniques will not be taught. Whole families are welcome to attend as groups. Individuals of all ages are also encouraged.
Here is the calendar of workshops – each has a different focus so those interested may attend one or all three:
10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 2: How to get started with writing about family members, events and places. ASU Professor of English Duane Roen will discuss the family experiences that offer rich material for writing and will share strategies for beginning.
10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 6: How to write family history for special occasions. Roen will discuss sharing your stories with family members and others in a form that will be entertaining.
10:30 a.m., Saturday May 4: How are you making history? Roen will discuss keeping a diary or journal.
For those interested in researching family history, Tempe librarian Rolf Brown will offer two free classes on
Thursday, Feb. 28 and Thursday, March 28 at 6 p.m. on family history and genealogical research techniques. No knowledge or experience is assumed.
Contact the Tempe Public Library for more details on any of these classes and workshops:
www.tempe.gov/library or call 480 350-5500.
About Duane Roen:
Roen is Professor of English at Arizona State University, where he serves as Assistant Vice Provost for University Academic Success, as well as Head of Interdisciplinary and Liberal Studies in the School of Letters and Sciences. He also coordinates the Project for Writing and Recording Family History
(http://sls.asu.edu/humanities/familyhistory/). Throughout his professional life, Duane has taught students how to write more effectively—how to tailor their messages for specific audiences and for specific purposes. He has published nine books, and he has authored more than 250 articles, chapters, and conference presentations.
About the Tempe Public Library
The Tempe Public Library is one of the busiest libraries in the Phoenix metropolitan area with more than 1 million visitors each year. Beyond the traditional books and research materials, the Tempe Public Library offers job training classes, literacy programs, storytime and craft activities for kids, author readings, Internet access and much more. The library even has a coffee shop café for people who are looking for a more social experience. The Tempe Public Library is located at 3500 S. Rural Road, at Rural Road and Southern Avenue. Visit
www.tempe.gov/library for hours of operation and other information.