Two weeks ago, I headed to Fairport Harbor to start the research for SISU is in the Heart, with the support of a grant from Finlandia Foundation® National. During my visit I hosted two "story circle" events to tell people about my project and to learn about the history of the village and why people are proud to call Fairport "home". The first event took place at The Finnish Heritage Museum, as part of their monthly meeting (which coincided with national Apron Day!) and the second event took place the next evening at the Fairport Harbor Senior Center, with support from Discover Fairport Harbor. Over the course of two nights, I met and talked with over 50 people from the community!
The stories and reflections shared during these event will serve as a jumping off point as I begin to write an original play inspired by Fairport Harbor and my own personal family ancestry. The play is not intended to be a documentary, but more of a "stew" with the flavors of the village appearing throughout the script. As I listened to the voices in the room, Fairport (of today and of the past) swirled up around me-- colorful characters, important locations, historical dates, traditions, celebrations, tragedies, small details and momentous events that have shaped the character of this small town on Lake Erie . I was struck by the community's deep commitment to education and faith, sincere pride in their heritage and ancestry, and a strong inter-connected spirit that defines the village. I feel grateful for the warm welcome, candor, and the hospitality that I encountered, and look forward to the task of crafting a play for this wonderful place.
For those of you who were not able to attend, I have include lots of photos below, along with examples of the questions and story prompts that came up as we talked. If you would like to contribute to the project, please share your stories by clicking the SHARE YOUR STORIES link at the top of the page of by sending an email to [email protected].
-Park
The stories and reflections shared during these event will serve as a jumping off point as I begin to write an original play inspired by Fairport Harbor and my own personal family ancestry. The play is not intended to be a documentary, but more of a "stew" with the flavors of the village appearing throughout the script. As I listened to the voices in the room, Fairport (of today and of the past) swirled up around me-- colorful characters, important locations, historical dates, traditions, celebrations, tragedies, small details and momentous events that have shaped the character of this small town on Lake Erie . I was struck by the community's deep commitment to education and faith, sincere pride in their heritage and ancestry, and a strong inter-connected spirit that defines the village. I feel grateful for the warm welcome, candor, and the hospitality that I encountered, and look forward to the task of crafting a play for this wonderful place.
For those of you who were not able to attend, I have include lots of photos below, along with examples of the questions and story prompts that came up as we talked. If you would like to contribute to the project, please share your stories by clicking the SHARE YOUR STORIES link at the top of the page of by sending an email to [email protected].
-Park
Monday, May 12th @ FInnish Heritage Museum
Photo Credit: Katie Cofield
Questions and Prompts
-What is your ancestry?
-What is one thing we wouldn't know about you just by looking?
-Pick a corner: Are you the. . . Youngest / Eldest / Middle / or only child?
-Pick a corner: I would change my like for . . . Money / Love / Opportunity / Freedom
-Have you ever changed details about a family story? If so, why?
-Why is it important for younger generations to know about their heritage?
-What is the one thing that should be included in a play about Fairport?
-What is your ancestry?
-What is one thing we wouldn't know about you just by looking?
-Pick a corner: Are you the. . . Youngest / Eldest / Middle / or only child?
-Pick a corner: I would change my like for . . . Money / Love / Opportunity / Freedom
-Have you ever changed details about a family story? If so, why?
-Why is it important for younger generations to know about their heritage?
-What is the one thing that should be included in a play about Fairport?
TUESDAY, MAY 13 @ Fairport Harbor Senior CenTer
Photo Credit: Katie Cofield
Pick a Corner
-Have you lived here . . . . your whole life / a few years / gone away and come back / just visiting?
-The most important thing to me is . . . Family / Community / Faith/ Legacy
Wagon Wheels
-Tell you partner about time that you had to exhibit "sisu"
-Is there any juicy gossip in your family?
-Tell your parents about a relative that you wish you had been able to meet
Open Questions
-Have you ever had to give up on something and return home?
-Is there anything you would change about Fairport's past?
-What do you hope for the future of Fairport?
-What is the one thing that should be included in a play about Fairport?
-Have you lived here . . . . your whole life / a few years / gone away and come back / just visiting?
-The most important thing to me is . . . Family / Community / Faith/ Legacy
Wagon Wheels
-Tell you partner about time that you had to exhibit "sisu"
-Is there any juicy gossip in your family?
-Tell your parents about a relative that you wish you had been able to meet
Open Questions
-Have you ever had to give up on something and return home?
-Is there anything you would change about Fairport's past?
-What do you hope for the future of Fairport?
-What is the one thing that should be included in a play about Fairport?
If YOU could include one thing in a play about Fairport Harbor, what would it be?
Email me at [email protected], or click the Share Your Stories link at the top of the page.
Email me at [email protected], or click the Share Your Stories link at the top of the page.
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