Our Story
The Guelph Guild of Storytellers (GGS) was founded in 1984 by a small group of Guelph authors and tellers. Now, decades later, it continues to champion storytelling with the same spirit of love for the spoken word and desire to share stories to entertain, to engage and to teach. From the beginning the search was for adult audiences to share and nurture the ancient art and to encourage tellers of all levels. For years, members regularly got together to build and polish stories, often around a theme, to plan programs for the year, and to organize an events calendar. Currently a core group of seven members stand on the shoulders of these originators and proudly continue the tradition of monthly planning meetings to organize group events. In addition, we're excited to offer regular monthly tutoring evenings, starting this fall, (Sept 2019), for *members. (annual membership $10) (for email inquiries.)
In addition, individual GGS members respond to requests for telling in senior homes, schools, churches, Scouts / Guides, birthday parties, community events, etc.
Guelph is recognized for its vibrant, rich arts identity and diversity. GGS is proud to make a contribution to that rich tapestry.
Currently GGS continues its two main series during the year, one in an outdoor setting (Enabling Garden), the second in a museum (Guelph Civic Museum).
Tea "n" Tales continues an eleven-year partnership with the Enabling Garden, a weekly Friday morning summer telling on the banks of the Speed River. (See Events for details.)
Tales From the Hill
Over the years GGS hosted tellings in various venues including The Boat House, Guelph Public Libraries, The Book Shelf - each with a legacy of fond memories.
GGS is delighted that the Guelph Civic Museum has become a permanent home for the monthly evening storytelling from September to June, every first Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. It's a privilege to be a part of the rich array of programs and services that the Civic Museum provides.
Open mic is a regular feature at these monthly event. It's a warm, welcoming community of tellers and listeners, ideal for new tellers to test their wings. Guests are invited to register their story in advance. In addition, we end the evening with a social time around a table with light refreshments - cider, cheese/crackers and sweets add a warmth.
GGS appreciates the collaborations, including the advantage of piggy-backing on the Enabling Garden and Museum's social media presense.
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GGS links with local groups who also offer events, workshops, concerts, and directories of individual tellers. Some of these groups are: Storytellers Canada-Conteurs du Canada, Burlington Storytellers’ Guild, Storytelling Toronto
