Last year, more than 200 people came together to share stories, listen to one another, and celebrate the people and places that make Anchorage home.

We’re doing it again!

The Alaska Humanities Forum (AKHF) is leading a public day of storytelling in November 2026 that will serve as a key moment for identifying, collecting, and sharing stories that shape Anchorage’s sense of place, history, and community. Guided by our mission to connect Alaskans through stories, ideas, and experiences that inspire understanding and strengthen communities, this event will bring together residents from across the Anchorage/Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area to reflect on who we’ve been, who we are now, and who we want to become.

This public event is for anyone who cares about the history and future of the Anchorage/Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area—Tribal members, business owners, historians, Elders, faith leaders, artists, storytellers, teachers, youth, and anyone else who wants to connect with their neighbors and build stronger communities.

The stories and reflections gathered during this event will help shape a feasibility study that will be developed following the event and submitted to the National Park Service as part of the official process for designating the Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet as a National Heritage Area.

During the Storytelling Event, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Listen deeply to guest storytellers and learn more about a diverse range of experiences in the Anchorage/Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area.
• Share and record your own stories in a range of formats, if you choose.
• Connect with other residents of the Anchorage/Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area.
• Enjoy live music, performances, and catered food.

Agenda

12:00 PM

Arrive and welcome

01:00 PM

Collective Story Harvesting

Collective Story Harvest is a participatory storytelling practice that helps communities learn deeply from personal and shared experiences. In small groups, each person takes on a specific listening role- such as leadership, resilience, or pivotal moments. As you listen to stories that have shaped Anchorage, you’ll reflect both on your own experiences and through the lens of your assigned role. Listen to stories about First Alaskans, culture & identity, and Anchorage neighborhoods.

02:30 PM

Story Circle Round One

Story Circles are a simple yet powerful way to connect through personal experience. Participants gather in a circle and take turns sharing stories in response to a common prompt, listening with care and without interruption. Each circle will begin with 4–5 invited storytellers, with space for members of the public to join in or simply listen. Stories are shared one at a time, with each person having up to three minutes to speak.

03:30 PM

Story Circle Round Two

05:00 PM

Community Dinner

A lively food fair where local vendors offer bite-sized dishes and samples, inviting participants to explore Anchorage's food scene.

FAQ

How is the event funded?

We are grateful for the Municipality of Anchorage, the Anchorage Park Foundation, Alaska Community Foundation, the Anchorage Senior Activity Center, and the National Endowment for the Humanities for their contributions to this event.

Why are you charging a registration fee this year?

This year, we’re charging a small registration fee to help cover the increased cost of hosting the event and encourage attendees to commit to joining us for the entire day.

Will the Day of Storytelling have a virtual component?

No. This is to allow participants, invited speakers, and staff to be fully present with the event. However, we will be sharing a report out following the event.

What happens after the Day of Storytelling? Will the stories be recorded?

The themes, insights, and overarching ideas that emerge from the event will help shape the vision for a future National Heritage Area. Individual stories will only be used with permission.

Can I attend for just part of the day?

We ask that you commit to attending the full event, as the program builds throughout the day and we want each storyteller to feel respected and supported by everyone’s full participation.

Can I choose which stories I listen to or go to my friend's specific story?

Sadly, no. Stories are grouped by the themes and values they explore, and you’ll be assigned a story circle based on the themes and values you register for. We ask that you stay in your assigned circle so each storyteller has a full and supportive audience.