About this Event
Bring a meaningful object. Leave with a story.
The Stories We Keep is a guided writing and storytelling workshop about the memories, people, places, and moments held within the objects we keep.
For this workshop, you’ll be invited to bring one meaningful object from home and use it as a starting point for writing and reflection. Led by a former archaeologist, the workshop draws on archaeology-informed approaches to explore the stories, memories, and meaning we attach to the things we keep. Through a series of prompts, exercises, and conversation, we’ll explore the story behind your object and the memories connected to it.
No previous writing experience is needed. You don’t need to consider yourself a writer. Just bring an object that means something to you and an openness to see where its story takes you. Sharing your object’s story is encouraged, but not mandatory for the experience.
What to Expect
• A relaxed, small-group writing workshop
• Guided prompts and writing exercises inspired by archaeology and personal storytelling
• Workbook, writing materials, object description card, and photograph will be provided.
• Time to reflect, write, and share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with
• Conversation about memory, objects, and the stories we attach to the things we keep
• A chance to leave with new writing about an object that matters to you
What to Bring
One meaningful object to write about.
It can be anything: a piece of jewellery, an old photograph, a childhood toy, a handwritten note, a souvenir, a trinket, a tool, a book, or something completely ordinary that holds a special memory.
The object does not need to be valuable or old. What matters is the story it carries for you.
Please bring an object that you can comfortably carry with you and have with you throughout the workshop.
A personalized workbook will be provided for you to write in, as well as pencils and pens.
Who Is It For?
Stories We Keep is for anyone interested in personal storytelling, memory, objects, and creative writing. Whether you already love to write or haven't picked up a pen in years, the workshop is designed to meet you where you are.
Come curious, come nostalgic, come with an object and a story you haven't quite put into words yet.
Agenda
🕑: 03:50 PM - 04:00 PM
Arrival!
Info: Please arrive 10 minutes early to give yourself enough time to get settled and choose a seat before the programming begins :)
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:15 PM
Name Tags + Object Photograph
Info: Grab a name tag and get your special object photographed! This photograph will be used in your workbook.
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:30 PM
Introductions
Info: We will introduce the workshop, ourselves, and then allow everyone to introduce themselves and the object they have brought.
🕑: 04:30 PM - 04:45 PM
Object Description Card + Display
Info: Create a description card for your object to put alongside the photograph in your workbook.
🕑: 04:45 PM - 05:30 PM
Silent Writing Period
Info: The writing part of our writing workshop! You will have 45 minutes to 1 hour to go through the writing exercise.
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Object Show and Tell
Info: The storytelling part of our workshop! We will go around the room and read an excerpt from what you wrote, or you can share a new insight you have gained about your object.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:15 PM
Closing Remarks
Info: Before we depart, we will provide information about upcoming events and our other services.
Event venue & nearby stays
Sadleir House (P.R. Community And Student Association), 751 George Street North, Peterborough, Canada
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