Historical Storytelling Foundation
The Historical Storytelling Foundation brings the history of the province of Groningen to life through a combination of storytelling and music.
Have a look now
Location
Woudbloem 34
9618 PA Woudbloem Plan your route to the Historical Narrative Foundation
The Historical Storytelling Foundation is an initiative by historian Bernardine Beenackers and cultural historian/storytelling coach Tineke Neyman. The aim is to recount the history of Groningen in an engaging way, as a single coherent and historically accurate narrative. In 2016, ‘Rondom Piccardt’ was one of the three winners of ‘De Vonk van Slochteren’, through which the former municipality of Slochteren encouraged its residents to work towards a better and more enjoyable living environment. The group currently consists of six storytellers: Christine Hillemans, Teja Kompaan, Ina de Raad, Frouke Roukema, Joke Middelveld and Menno Prins.
The stories
- Rengers Verraad na het Gronings ontzet 1672 (2022): a conflict between the City and Ommelan…
The Historical Storytelling Foundation is an initiative by historian Bernardine Beenackers and cultural historian/storytelling coach Tineke Neyman. The aim is to recount the history of Groningen in an engaging way, as a single coherent and historically accurate narrative. In 2016, ‘Rondom Piccardt’ was one of the three winners of ‘De Vonk van Slochteren’, through which the former municipality of Slochteren encouraged its residents to work towards a better and more enjoyable living environment. The group currently consists of six storytellers: Christine Hillemans, Teja Kompaan, Ina de Raad, Frouke Roukema, Joke Middelveld and Menno Prins.
The stories
- Rengers Verraad na het Gronings ontzet 1672 (2022): a conflict between the City and the Ommelanden becomes palpable when Ommelander squire Osebrandt Rengers (1621–1679) is imprisoned by the City’s regents. Five narrators in 17th-century costume recount their experiences in and around the city. A cantor from Schola Gregoriaans Groningen sings Gregorian chants between the stories.
- Emo’s Tijdgeest 1175–1237 (2025): about the struggles of Abbot Emo van Huizinge (1175–1237) concerning three monasteries in Fivelgo. The story is inspired by the Chronicle of Bloemhof Monastery in Wittewierum, with thanks to Ynksje Penning, author of *Emo’s Labyrinth*. Four narrators in 13th-century costume recount life on and around a mound and the founding of monasteries. A cantor from Schola Gregoriaans Groningen sings Gregorian chants between the stories.
- Three Maidens 1330–1400 (2027): provisional working title of a new narrative, inspired by the legend of the Three Maidens’ Towers in Groningen. From September 2027. Four storytellers in 14th-century costume recount the penance of three young ladies who led rather dissolute lives. A musician plays music to accompany the stories.
Methodology
Creating a narrative takes around a year and a half. Once a historical topic has been chosen, the roles of fictional and/or historical characters are divided amongst the group. The group immerses itself in the period in which the narrative is set, and each storyteller thus creates their own version of the story. Once a month, the group meets to share their stories, and this is how the narrative eventually takes shape. The costumes are handmade, and a storytelling coach offers a fresh perspective on the final result.
See the Events Calendar to view and/or listen to performances.