Producer Caro Thompson

Producer Caro Thompson's film "The Lake Between" may come to your town or school this year. This Emmy-nominated TV producer and filmmaker tackled the 400-year span since European explorers arrived at Lake Champlain, to craft her film in time for this year's Quadricentennial celebrations. Her title for the movie reflects a Native American term for the lake, and she clearly portrays the presence of many people here, long before the arrival of Samuel De Champlain.

High School History -- The Musical!

Here's an image from "Shout It Out," which award-winning director/producer Bess O'Brien released last year. See who the performers are? When My Story Matters brings together a new set of performers to create High School History -- The Musical, it's going to be awesome! Meanwhile, you can purchase a DVD of "Shout It Out" for $25 from www.kingdomcounty.com and get inspired!

Keynote Speaker Melody Walker, Wabanaki Elnu Member

Elnu Abenaki member and featured keynote speaker Melody Walker discusses how her people’s history and heritage have helped influence and shape her life experiences:

"My Wabanaki heritage shapes the way that I view
the world, the way that I view history, and the way that I deal with
difficult situations. I am always mindful of my place in the world and
my culture. During the hard times, my mentors have guided me with
stories of the past, of perseverance, and of Gluskabe. Abenaki melodies
forever remind me of what I love most in the world and that no matter
what happens, there is a large family ready to stand up for each other.
Historically Wabanaki existence, physical and cultural, has been
severely threatened, up to the present day, but we are still here and
will continue to occupy our homeland. As a Wabanaki person, I have a
responsibility to my culture and to my people- to learn about our
history, relearn our technologies, and to work hard for the future. From
the time that I wake up and thank the sun, to the time that I go to bed,
I know that I am a part of something bigger and it makes me whole. No
matter what road I take, I am never alone in the world and whatever
happens along the path reflects not only upon myself as an individual
but upon all of those behind me."

Draft Schedule for an Awesome Conference

[photo: Cyndy Bittinger]
Draft Schedule, My Story Matters, Wed. April 8, 2009

8:15-9:15 Arrivals; historic snacks; displays and book sales; sign-ups for My Story Matters story booth

9:15 Welcome from Dr. Carol Moore, president of LSC

9:30-10 Keynote, Melody Walker, Elnu Abenaki leader, "Traditions & Changes: Abenaki History, Gluskabe to the Present"

10:10-10:55 Session I
11-11:45 Session II
11:45-12:30 Bag lunch in cafeteria, with discussion tables and media viewings
12:40-1:25 Session III
1:30-2:15 High School History: The Musical (performance)
2:20 Finale and handouts
2:30 Farewell


Session I: Digging for Stories
A: Local and Lively: Learn to tell family stories embedded in history, first observing a professional interview by historian Jon Rice of family story collector Joan Alexander — including Joan’s collection of artifacts! — and then develop your own family history, with research possibilities outlined.
B: How to Get a Woman to Reveal Herself: Poet and teacher Peggy Sapphire spills the inside story on several Northeast Kingdom women whose lives show the effects of history – effects on them and by them. Students will practice interviewing each other and some special guests, some famous, some mysterious.
C: Historic and Hidden: Women’s Significant Lives: Determined and dogged researcher Julia Lewandoski unearths the stories of five Vermont women with connections to Lake Champlain and the early French and Native history of Vermont. Why was the digging so tough? Why do we know so little about these women? When does the label “ordinary life” hide vitally important women’s stories? Sort it out with Julia, and she’ll give you a tour of the Vermont Women’s History Project web site, so you can use it as your own resource.
D: Listening for Secrets, then Rewriting History: Published in fiction and poetry, creative writing teacher Jenny Land Mackenzie gets your hands onto both odd and ordinary objects from Vermont’s past, and shows you how to ask: Where was this made? Who sold it, who bought it? Who used it, and for how long? What was it used for? Develop fictional histories of Vermont’s past, rich with accurate detail and imagination. (Dedicated writers can continue into the second session.)
E: High School History, the Musical, first part: Director Bess O’Brien (“Shout It Out!.” “Where Is Stephanie?,” and other films) reveals how students have turned their lives into musicals and films – then gets you started. Bring one small costume item (hat, scarf, vest, tie, whatever) and one character from history. And prepare to make some noise! (Must attend all three parts and perform.)
F: My Story Matters Booth: How has war affected your family? Why does your family live here and how do your family members earn enough money to keep doing this? How has a catastrophe or a miracle in the past changed your family history? Bring your best friend and interview each other. Limited to 7 pairs of friends per session.

Session II: Hands-On History
A; Hidden in the Hills: Tony Booth, New England historical archaeologist, fills you in on early European settlements in the Northeast Kingdom and what evidence they've left. Explore possible field projects that you can initiate in your town, and develop a plan for a successful “dig” into Vermont history.
B: Translating History into Compelling Video: Emmy-nominated TV producer and filmmaker Caro Thompson shows you how to make a story visual – the secret to connecting with your audience. Bring a two-paragraph “My Story” with you. Limited to 12.
C: Would You Have Rescued Anne Frank? Two Vermont women tried to rescue children like her in the run-up to World War II. Hear their stories in a visit with historian Cyndy Bittinger, who combed through archives on First Lady Grace Coolidge of Burlington and radio journalist Dorothy Thompson, part time resident of Barnard. Both women spoke out at a time when their actions were controversial. Yet they influenced public opinion. Do you know of modern examples of this kind of bravery? Let us talk about Vermont women who made a difference – and how you might choose your own to investigate.
D: Listening for Secrets, then Rewriting History, second part: Develop your story further, with characterization, plot, and writers’ techniques that turn you into a professional in historical fiction.
E: High School History, the Musical, second part: must attend all three parts.
F: My Story Matters History Booth: see Session I.

Lunch Break: Bag lunches, and discussion tables with presenters so you can ask in-depth questions. One or two short films may also be shown. Browse among books and handouts, too. [Teachers, we’re looking for a discussion leader and handouts for an educators’ table, too.]

Session III: Perform, Produce, Publish
A: Mysteries in History: Author Beth Kanell (The Darkness Under the Water) shares her secrets. Learn to peel back history to find mysteries. You get a starter deck of Vermont history’s suspenseful moments and issues. Then explore the use of historian’s curiosity; practice several research tools; consider strong versus weal evidence; and find the voices of stories. You’re on your way to writing your own book now.
B: In the Kitchen with History (tasting and adjusting recipes)
C: How to Get a Woman to Reveal Herself, second part: Review the secrets of interviewing with Peggy Sapphire (see Session I). Then create this conference’s newsletter of interviews and personal history to share.
D: Local and Lively: Learn to tell family stories embedded in history (see Session I).
E: High School History, the Musical, third part.
F: My Story Matters History Booth: See Session I.