Writing Workshop Series Session 4: Ancestors and Family Stories

We are so excited to offer a special workshop series at the Washington County Heritage Center featuring experienced writers to guide you to creating a fun and meaningful piece of writing! 

>>>Register here<<<

Session 1: Thursday, October 3 @ 7-8:30pm
Introduction and Personal History
Workshop Leaders: Gary Goodman, Emily Krawczewski

Session 2: Thursday, October 10 @ 7-8:30pm
Childhood Memories
Workshop leaders: Frank White

Session 3: Thursday, October 17 @ 7-8:30pm
Hometown Stories
Workshop leaders: Justin Brink, Meg Heaton, Eleanor Wilhelmi

Session 4: Thursday, October 24 @ 7-8:30pm
Ancestors and Family Stories
Workshop Leaders: Justin Brink and Bill McGrath

Bonus: Saturday, November 2 @ late afternoon or evening (TBD)
A celebration of the workshop participants’ hard work and provide them with the opportunity to read a portion of their writing, share an outline for a future project, or anything else they’d like to share that they created during the series. Details to come!

Outline for Each Session

7-7:15pm: Workshop leader introductions

7:15-7:30pm: Discuss recommended reading (if applicable)

7:30-7:50pm: Individual writing time

7:50-8:15pm: Break into small groups for feedback and sharing

8:15-8:30pm: Group share/wrap up

Participants
We are planning to cap the series at 20 participants.
 

Series Pricing

$125/person for non-WCHS members for full workshop series

$100/person for WCHS members for full workshop series

Participants will need to sign up for all four sessions in the series. No exceptions.

WCHS will provide pens, pencils, notebooks, and enthusiasm!

October 24 Workshop Session

The topic for this workshop session will focus on stories about your hometown and other important places in your life.

Meet your workshop leaders for October 24: 

Justin Brink

Justin Brink

I am a lifelong resident of Forest Lake and have been studying its history for over 30 years. I run the Forest Lake Historical Society and recently wrote a pictorial book for the historical Images of America series in 2023. As a genealogist for over 30 years, I specialize in Minnesota research. I am a Registered Nurse by profession. 

Bill McGrath

Bill McGrath

Bill McGrath lived in Stillwater from 1952 until 1966, and has retained strong ties with the town. He has worked as newspaper reporter, author of car repair manuals, small business owner, grave-digger and musician. Since 1978, he’s been in Northfield, where he now lives with his wife Janet. His grandfather, James E. McGrath, is considered one of Minnesota’s last lumber barons, and Bill grew up in the McGrath mansion although by then the money was gone. “Stillwater was a magical place to grow up,” says Bill, and he can tell stories about the Catholic parishes of both St. Michael and St. Mary, along with paper routes, garage bands, the downtown, neighborhood grocery stores, his first date, skating rinks and of course the St. Croix River.