locks opened series
This program is historical storytelling at its best. Through story and song Master Storyteller, Sheila Arnold, shares about local waterways that were part of the Underground Railroad. Most of the stories are from an 1870s book written by William Still, a Conductor for the Underground Railroad and Secretary of the Philadelphia Abolitionist Society.
waterways to freedom
This program is historical storytelling at its best. Through story and song Master Storyteller, Sheila Arnold, shares about local waterways that were part of the Underground Railroad. Most of the stories are from an 1870s book written by William Still, a Conductor for the Underground Railroad and Secretary of the Philadelphia Abolitionist Society. His book shares the stories of over 500 people who ran from slavery, including some who used the locks, canals and waterways to escape. Discover these stories that will make you begin your own search into local history and help you understand what the desire for freedom can make a person overcome. A one hour program, that is continually changing because new information is being found. For all ages.
left behind
Freedom – what we all desire, but if you had to leave something or someone behind, could you do it for the hope of a word called “freedom”? Through story, song and audience interaction Master Storyteller Sheila Arnold, looks at the fugitive slaves from the Underground Railroad and shares what they left behind – family, clothes, name, even life. There are surprises that were left behind as well, and this presentation brings humor along with thought-provoking moments. This program is historical storytelling at its best. A one hour program that begins with the audience’s thoughts and leads to stories that will stay in your mind long after the presentation has ended. For all ages.
EXTRA ORDINARY
This program is historical storytelling at its best. Through story and song Master Storyteller Sheila Arnold shares the most extraordinary and death-defying escapes for freedom by the fugitive slaves, many recorded because of their connection with the Underground Railroad. Ms. Sheila, as she is often called, accents these stories with audience participation. This one hour program will have you on the edge of your seat, and wondering, “What would I do for freedom?”.
law and order: resistance
In 1850 the world changed all because of one law. In that year, families and communities feared for their livelihoods, their families and their communities. How could one law cause such fear and terror in some, and yet ecstasy and gratitude in others? This historic storytelling program starts with stories, songs and some history foundation, but then turns into a court case worthy of a television show. Come and be in the jury (or a lawyer) and actively learn how one law can change a life. A one hour program appropriate for all ages, but particularly engaging for ages 10 and above. No legal experience required!
caught!
The stories of the Underground Railroad are filled with those who made daring escapes and conducted courageous escapes in order to reach freedom. However, daring, courage, knowledge and luck, didn’t always lead people to “the promised land”; some who dared were caught and their fates varied widely. Hear some of the stories of those who were caught riding the Underground Railroad. This one hour program is a multimedia presentation including ballads, props, dance, song, stories, video and audience participation. Some of the multimedia may be limited dependent on venue. Appropriate for adults and teens.
children at the border
The Underground Railroad of the 1800’s did not just help free adults. Many a child came with, and without, parents, often through the same perils and sometimes in “plain sight”. Using the overarching theme of slave children’s games, Master Storyteller Sheila Arnold engages the audience in play as well as the serious business of getting freedom. Enjoy the songs, the stories, the games and the heart of this historic storytelling one hour presentation, which is appropriate for every age.
sanctuary
Sanctuary – a place of refuge or safety. We all need places of refuge; places where we can safely rest our mind and body, places where we know we have someone who hears our voice, places where we stop fighting. There are people who need more than just a moment, they need a “sanctuary” to keep them safe from those willing to bring them harm, to give them a home when theirs has been taken away and to be an added voice of support to their cause. Throughout history the United States has given sanctuary including during the Underground Railroad. Join Master Storyteller Sheila Arnold as her stories and songs remind us that we should be a people lighting the way to a refuge of freedom. One hour presentation appropriate for all ages.