WKU professor of folklore says narratives nurture sense of place among Kentuckians

Dr. Lynwood Montell spoke earlier this year at the Giles Cabin on the topic of how narratives nurture a sense of place among Kentuckians. Dr. Montell has spent a lifetime documenting and retelling stories about this region.

He encourages us to turn off the TV, go to our relatives and ask about family and community stories. Then listen. And listen. And take notes. He says so many stories die because we don't take notes when our older relatives and friends speak.

"Some legends handed down are truth and some are unverifiable heresay," he says. There are those who would say don't tell it unless it can be proven. But Dr. Montell says, "let me say this: most of the stories told within your family have a core of truth. Although you cannot prove whether they really took place or not, you can typically document a central core of truth."

His visit was sponsored by The Kentucky Humanities Council and The Kentucky Arts Council.

Dr. Montell is the all-time most popular speaker for the Kentucky Heritage Council. He once taught at Campbellsville College.