Join Us July 11th for a Free Workshop! Stories My Father Told Me: A Family Storytelling Experience

Join us on Saturday, July 11, for a unique family program inspired by our exhibition, Native Americans of New Jersey: Past and Present.

Naturalists and storytellers Marc and Nicholas Gottwerth will share a collection of traditional "teaching stories" that have been passed down through generations. These engaging and often humorous stories explore the relationship between people, nature, and the lessons we can learn from the world around us.

Following the storytelling, families will create their own sketches and illustrations inspired by the stories they heard. Each participant will receive a sketchbook to continue their creativity long after the program ends.

This interactive experience is designed to encourage conversation, imagination, and observation while introducing visitors to the rich storytelling traditions found within many Indigenous cultures. Through stories and art, participants will explore themes of nature, personal growth, and community in a welcoming environment for all ages.

After the program, families are encouraged to visit Native Americans of New Jersey: Past and Present, where they can discover remarkable archaeological artifacts, contemporary Native American artwork on loan through Art Bridges, and the stories of the Native communities that have called New Jersey home for thousands of years.

Marc Gottwerth is a retired past president of the East Coast chapter of the “Intertribal Council of AT&T Employees” (ICAE) 501c(3).  ICAE was instrumental in initiating the Historical Road Markers project to commemorate the Lenape Great Navesink-to-Minisink Trail, which deployed road markers delineating this historic path as it traversed Monmouth County.  Marc has been a speaker on the Minisink Trail and Native American culture for Township Historical Societies, America 250 Celebrations, and at Brookdale College.  Marc is also a Tracker and Naturalist, studying the natural world as it developed in North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Marc holds a BSEE from New Jersey Institute of Technology and a Masters in Statistics from Rutgers University.

“Stories My Father Told Me” is a collection of ”teaching“ stories that Marc’s family are caretakers of and passed down between generations.

Event Details

Stories My Father Told Me with Marc & Nicholas Gottwerth

Saturday, July 11

• 11am to 2pm

Location: Monmouth Museum, Lincroft

Cost: Free

Space is limited, and advance registration is required.

This program is made possible through generous support from Art Bridges as part of the Museum's educational programming accompanying Native Americans of New Jersey: Past and Present. We look forward to welcoming your family for an afternoon of stories, creativity, and discovery.