The Story People of Clallam County is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, organized as a Guild in 1992 to promote the art of storytelling on the Olympic Peninsula. The Story People believe that stories are an invaluable treasure of every culture because they represent and pass along the collective folklore and wisdom of the ages. The Guild sponsors a monthly story swap in the Raymond Carver Room at the Port Angeles Library. All attendees, local residents as well as visitors, are welcome to share a story, poem, or even a song just for the fun of it, or to improve storytelling techniques. Many people come only to listen, and they represent a very important aspect of this event that is open to the general public and offered at no cost. For those interested in further development as tellers, the Guild offers periodic workshops that are led by experienced professional tellers. Members volunteer regularly in area schools, promoting literacy through storytelling.

Additionally, members host House Olios (Concerts) throughout the year, gathering friends and neighbors in living rooms to hear featured storytellers. Our largest event is the annual International Forest Storytelling Festival that has been held every Fall since 1994. This 3-day event attracts attendees from throughout the Northwest, Idaho, California and Canada and is the only festival of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The festival features world-class performers from the United States and abroad, as well as notable northwest tellers. Featured tellers not only perform, they also offer workshops on various aspects of storytelling. In late November we join with other storytelling guilds and associations throughout the United States and abroad by offering the annual "Tellabration - A Celebration of Storytelling" concert.

For more information about the Story People, or for assistance in locating area storytellers, please call 360-417-5031.