Story Connections: Program brings memories to life
Lauri Boyd, left, and Rachel Wathen from The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures are shown at a recent On the Go program.
By Heather Perry
Johnson County Library invites you to Story Connections: On the Go, a program designed for individuals living with memory loss and their care partners.
Presented by The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures in partnership with the Library and the Heart of America Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the program uses hands-on activities to connect participants to history and nostalgia.
Two spring events are planned, each offering a welcoming, engaging experience inspired by the museum’s collection.
“The thing that stands out to me is how delighted everyone who participates has been—from staff to the attendees and their caregivers,” said Ashley Fick, program coordinator for the Library. “It left everyone feeling happy and uplifted.”
At one session, the Museum brought a dollhouse for participants to explore, sparking a vivid memory for one attendee of riding a horse to school in rural Colorado, bringing buckets of water for the horse to drink while he was in class.
“It was fascinating to hear. I know I’ll be thinking about that little boy riding a horse to school for a long time,” said Grace Bentley, Library program services specialist.
“The mission of our organization and that of Johnson County Library is very much aligned. Through this collaboration, I’ve witnessed firsthand how storytelling sparks imagination and curiosity,” added Museum Educator Rachel Wathen.
Story Connections is a chance to share stories and build community. As Bentley said, “Rachel is a fantastic presenter and discussion leader who meets participants where they are and leads conversations in an open-ended way.”
Join us from 2-3 p.m. Monday, May 12, at Central Resource Library in Overland Park. The museum will also host an event from 2-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at its Kansas City, Missouri campus.
Registration is required at JoCoLibrary.org/events or by calling 913-826-4600. Learn more in the Summer Library Guide, available at all 14 branches and mailed to Johnson County residents.
Heather Perry is a communications specialist at Johnson County Library.