Orton Family Foundation

Gathering, listening to, and sharing stories strengthens the fabric of the community by bringing people together in conversations about what they love about where they live and what they’d like to change. Hearing from residents can also lead to discoveries that the community immediately rallies around, such as an 1870s African-American church in Pennsylvania or a historic theater in Colorado. Three speakers, each with different but meaningful experiences, share how storytelling enriches a community and leads to positive change. Speakers: - Mimi Iijima is the Director of Programs and Special Projects for Pennsylvania Humanities Council. Mimi leads PHC’s effort to strengthen communities through the humanities and by bringing Community Heart & Soul to towns in the Keystone state. - Dani Smith is the great-great-granddaughter of a Civil War soldier who served in the U.S. Colored Troops. Story gathering by the Greater Carlisle Heart & Soul Project led to the discovery of an 1870s African-American church and ce