Anthropology Museum Holds Story Telling
Storyteller Rachel Hedman entertained families this week with multi-cultural tales from around the world as USU’s Museum of Anthropology welcomed children and family members of all ages to the department’s weekly cultural event on Saturday.
Following the story telling, a workshop was held to provide children with more information about the countries and cultures in which her stories took place.
Hedman’s stories included grape picking at vineyards in Fresno, Calif., King Midas and his lust for gold, a queen’s desire to bear children from Norse mythology and a love story from ancient Iraq.
Each story portrayed symbolism and taught moral lessons. Hedman also incorporated singing into one of her stories. She said she wanted the children to understand everyone around the world can make a difference with their actions and, even if a culture or tradition is different from their own, they should embrace it and learn to accept the differences.
“I hope you now understand more about the different cultures of the world,” Hedman said after her performance. “My workshops can show you how you can tell multicultural tales too.”
The workshops provided the children in attendance with props and examples from Hedman’s stories to provide a way for children to gain a hands-on example of the story. The event lasted for four hours.
Hedman competed in story telling in high school, about 13 years ago, and thus began her story telling career. Hedman said, however, her mother argues that she’s been telling stories since she opened her mouth.
“I wanted a career that involved story telling, so I ended up getting a degree in communications,” Hedman said.
Each Saturday, the department of anthropology hosts a different activity for members of the college and community, said Amanda Woolston, an intern for the museum. She said each event offers a new culture or experience to learn about. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
The Museum of Anthropology opened in 1962, Woolston said, and has undergone various changes throughout the years. The museum showcases ancient artifacts from North America and other regions of the world. It is located in Old Main Room 252. Group tours are available and can be arranged ahead of time, Woolston said. For more information about the museum, contact Sara Lundberg at 797-7545.
-melissa.mcroberts@aggiemail.usu.edu