Bedford Get Together has announced a major project for 2023 that is designed to weave together “Our Bedford Story” through many storytelling groups throughout the Bedford area.  The project, a partnership with doctoral candidate Andrea Plamondon at National Lewis University in Chicago, Illinois, will collect stories through June 30.  Bedford Get Together intends to collect, preserve, and make the stories available to the public in the future.  As a part of her research project, Ms. Plamondon will analyze the common themes discussed within the stories and present a report that Bedford Get Together will be able to use to identify areas of focus for future activities. 

“We are thrilled to be participating this project, which not only furthers our vision and mission, but also nicely matches other activities we had already planned for the year,” Bedford Get Together Board Chair Heather Dooley commented.  The other activities include sponsoring a community mural, partnering with the Sedalia Center to support the Counter Ridge History Project, conducting the annual Community Service Awards program, and holding community meetings and small events. 

At a community meeting held March 8 at the Bower Center with representatives of several groups in the Bedford area, Ms. Plamondon explained the research design and storytelling process, asked for feedback, and invited attendees to host a storytelling group. “I am looking forward to hearing your stories - your Bedford stories - and seeing how these stories can help us all connect,” she said.  Several storytelling workshops were scheduled as result of the meeting.   According to Harriette Trevino who attended the meeting, “I’m excited--this group format for storytelling is the neatest idea!”
Ms. Dooley said that Bedford Get Together intends to continue collecting stories after Ms. Plamondon’s doctoral research period ends.  “We are exploring offering other storytelling formats as well, including stories online, podcasts, and the original “Our Bedford Story” format that allowed people to record their stories at our Edmund Street Park events in 2017 and 2018.”
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If you would like to host a storytelling group or participate in one, contact Bedford Get Together at bedfordgettogether@gmail.com.  Check back here for updates.