Lenape storytelling at Woodmere

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In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Woodmere Art Museum and Morris Arboretum & Gardens are collaborating to host an evening of Lenape Nation storytelling, drumming and song, Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Chestnut Hill museum. 

The evening will feature Chief Adam Waterbear DePaul, a respected storykeeper and director of education for the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. Chief DePaul, alongside other voices from the Lenape community, will guide guests through ancient tales that have been passed down through generations. These stories, filled with wisdom and connection to the land, offer a unique window into the traditions and values of the Lenape people.

As part of the evening’s experience, attendees will also be immersed in the rhythmic sounds of Stone Dog Drum, a group that will provide drumming and singing, adding an energetic and soulful element to the storytelling. The deep, resonant rhythms will echo throughout the museum, creating a space where history and culture can be felt as well as heard.

This gathering is more than just an evening of tales - it is an opportunity to honor the living culture of the Lenape Nation, whose ancestral lands span much of the Delaware Valley. By sharing their stories, the Lenape people invite all of us to reflect on their heritage, recognize the importance of preserving indigenous languages and traditions, and strengthen our connection to the natural world. 

Tickets are $25 ($20 for museum and arboretum members). For more information, visit woodmereartmuseum.org or morrisarboretum.org. To register, visit morrisarboretum.org. The museum is at 9201 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118.