Storytelling in Vermont is a vibrant community activity, blending traditional oral histories with modern “storyslam” formats (like The Moth) for sharing true, personal, five-minute tales, often supporting local libraries and food shelves, and fostering connection through events at venues like arts centers and coffee shops, focusing on authentic human experiences. Key aspects include community-focused “story circles,” support from organizations like the Vermont Story Lab, and unique local initiatives such as library tours and StoryWalks.
Samara Anderson hosts storytelling events throughout the state of Vermont.
Anderson is working on a statewide initiative to host storytelling events through every library in Vermont.
She invites people to share true stories from their lives, creating a community gathering that celebrates storytelling — much like what we experience through books and autobiographies.
Last year Samara Anderson, North Ferrisburgh, VT, began hosting storytelling events in Vermont libraries. The first one in 2025 will be at the Cabot, VT library on Thursday, February 27 from 6-8:15 pm. More storytellers are needed to round out the program, which features a mix of experienced tellers and beginners. The programs follow the Moth Hour format of true personal stories, an announced theme, and structured format for lthe evening. After the February program in Cabot, the Vermont library locations and dates are:
Community Building: The goal is to bring people together, fostering connection and understanding through shared human experiences.
A storytelling festival is an event that features local, regional and/or nationally known oral storytellers. Each storyteller will have a scheduled amount of time to share a story (or stories) with an audience.
Storytelling connects listeners to the storyteller emotionally. Through a process psychologists call “narrative transport,” good stories engage listeners emotionally. Engaged emotions create empathy with the speaker.
