‘Untold Stories’ unfolds in Palmer

PALMER — The Untold Stories event series returned to the limelight Sunday at the United Protestant Church. The live storytelling session gathered a variety of storytellers from various backgrounds under a common theme, “Reunions, Revivals and Redemptions.”

“Getting reunited was kind of exciting and kind of scary,” said one storyteller, Butch Hallford, during his performance.

This is the second year of Untold Stories and the event series has grown from a crowd of 70 to more than 130 people Sunday night. The oldest church in Palmer was packed tightly with an audience diverse in demographics and united under the thread of narrative.

“This is my first time. I’m gonna’ make sure it’s not my last,” said one audience member, Joanne Utt.

The Untold Stories events typically have seven storytellers with seven-minute stories, each sharing a historical perspective. This time, there were eight. Betty Pierce, Kendra Zamzow, Butch Hallford, Janet Aslin, Teresa Roy, Vicki Randolf, Gillian Moon and Emily Forstner shared their vastly varying tales on stage. From estranged family members to braving snow storms, each story made its mark on the audience and each one got a reaction — be it a laugh, gasp or cheer. Often, it was all three.

“It’s really grown,” Forstner said. “The stories get better.”

The emcee, West recited various quotes about storytelling from famous authors. Most of the quotes would affirm the power of storytelling and the way it brings a community together, how it changes lives and how it can even save them.

Betty Pierce and Patricia Chesbro — who later enlisted Forstner and West — founded the Untold Stories event series. Pierce owns BBella Hair Design and was cutting Chesbro’s hair when she uttered, “we needed something like Arctic Entries here in the Valley.”

Chesbro quickly agreed.

“Don’t you think there’s a coziness?” Pierce pressed. “Sharing stories is like sharing your heart.”

Pierce’s sister (another driving force behind the project) is the one behind the title. Everyone thought they should pick an organization to support. Chesbro suggested the Palmer Museum of History and Art. The museum has been the group’s benefactor and collaborator ever since. Every event funds the museum and every event has seen more attendance as time goes on.

“It’s a good community event,” Chesbro said. “We’d like to have more stories submitted, but these were all good. Every one of them has been good in its own way.”

This year, a second rehearsal session was added to better prepare for the event. Everyone agreed it helped streamline the process into a smoother, more effective series of presentations.

“Now, the stories are really polished,” Forstner said.

Forstner and West coached the performers for both rehearsals. They narrowed down their stories. They cut, edited and refined their narratives until they could confidently recite them without using any notes. The stories presented had elements sought after, elements that made a compelling story, according to what they were looking for. Each story had a conflict, resolution and a takeaway.

“In my family, we take black and white stories and add color,” Hallford said during his performance.

Untold Stories is the first of its kind in the Valley, and it reflects a movement of live storytelling and expression. According to the forces behind it, the growth is exponential.

“There’s a growing need for story and kind of a desire for it,” Forstner said.

“A hunger for it!” Pierce raised.

Moon’s job connects her to Alaska Natives and she said that storytelling — especially oral storytelling — is a vital part of their culture. She added that everyone in her corporation tells stories, “all way from the CEO down.”

“I just love hearing people’s stories,” said another audience member, Jenny Chesbro.

“They call it sharing your story; because everyone has a story,” Moon said. “It helps people identify who they are, where they come from. We also have a program in place that helps them tell their story, identifying their hurt and the harm that has been done to them and sharing that story in a safe environment. Giving voice away from it. It takes away the power [of harm inflicted].”

“These people tonight and the other times, are telling the stories of their lives and that’s real history. Human stories are the real history. That’s why it’s important to do this,” Chesbro said.

During the middle of the event, everyone stood up and sang the Alaska Flag song,

“Among our culture. Let it be known. Through years the Native's past has grown. To share life's treasures, hand in hand. To keep Alaska our Great-Land.”

The final quote summed up the evening and the series itself, in a quote from poet Maya Angelou that goes: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

West addressed the audience one last time. She made a call for action.

“Yes, she’s talking too,” West said. “Now you can end that agony.”

The next Untold Stories session will be in late January. The theme is: “survival.” Story submissions are due by Jan. 10 and can be turned in online. Visit palmermuseum.org/untold-stories for guidelines and to submit your story. Call the Palmer Museum at 746-7668 for more information.