Donlyn Ann Arbuthnot
Historian, Storyteller, Artist
Growing up I listened to my Father, Aunts and Uncles as they shared the many stories of our gold digging, homesteading, pioneer ancestors. They took me camping in old cabins in the mountains and allowed me to dress up in beautiful historic wedding attire of my ancestors as I played with antique items. I loved hearing the stories of how life was once lived.
While a student at Colorado State University (where I received a B.A. in History), I got my start in original research and in sharing history as a storyteller. Yes, that's right, I got my history degree from the rival school in Fort Collins. I didn't go to my hometown University of Colorado in Boulder. I had to leave home, I'm sure you understand. While at CSU, I learned that I could make history relevant by stepping into the shoes of others, literally, and demonstrate what it was like to live in another time.
It's been a while since college, yet I continue to research state, local and family history. Armed with my research, I now dress up as one of my many ancestors and entertain audiences using my ancestor's voice to share what it was like, what they ate, how they celebrated, and how they were challenged. In many ways, we are very different (and not so different too) from those who came before us.
Here is what Boulder County local historian and author, Anne Dyni said about my storytelling events...
Donlyn has an uncanny ability to slip into the pioneer characters she portrays. She never breaks stride as audiences ask questions about her life in the 19th century.
Click here for what others are saying about Donlyn's storytelling events.
Click here for what others are saying about Donlyn's storytelling events.
Professional memberships:
Altona Grange, No. 127 (serving as it's Historian and Past-Master)
Boulder Genealogy Society
Longmont Genealogy Society
Arapahoe Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Whether here or at a storytelling,
I hope you enjoy our time together.
Blessings be to ye.
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"Donlyn, you are a mine of knowledge of indeterminable depth! Thanks for all your persistence and skill."
-- John Sand, Past-President, Gold Hill Club, Gold Hill, Colorado
It's my pleasure! Thank you -- Donlyn
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| Haystack Mountain Golf Course - Aug. 2010 Sharing the story of Haystack Mountain's first settlers as Mary Elizabeth (Bader) Arbuthnot |
