On Aug. 3, the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) will host the second in a three-part “Writer’s Workshop” series, an extension of Author’s Hour programming being held in collaboration with Guernsey Memorial Library this year.
Beginning at 1 p.m. in the CCHS Flanagan Research Center, authors of all ages and skill-levels are invited to discover new techniques for historical research and writing. This season’s focus is on developing pieces for the annual CCHS Journal, an anthology of local stories related to Chenango County heritage. All story ideas are welcome for sharing with the group as participants work together to generate a publication that represents the uniqueness of the local region.
The Author’s Hour “Writer’s Workshop” series is being facilitated by Chenango County native Brian Kamsoke. A 1987 graduate of Norwich High School, Kamsoke received a Creative Writing Fellowship from Wichita State University, Kan., where he completed his master of fine arts. An editor with 30 years of experience working for nonprofit and for profit organizations, he has also taught writing at Collin College in McKinney, Texas, and Paradise Valley Community College in Paradise Valley, Ariz. Kamsoke has had more than three dozen creative works published, and his collection of stories, Between the Mile Markers, was a 2018 finalist for the “Hudson Prize” by Black Lawrence Press.
“All forms of historical writing are based off the work of others,” said Kamsoke. “By researching various records and documents to construct a narrative, you’re adding your voice to this collective experience. Just like you’re researching historical documents now, some day another writer might access your work to further expand our knowledge of Chenango County. The work is important because Chenango County has a very rich history.”
The James S. Flanagan Research Center, part of the CCHS museum campus, is located at 43 Rexford St., Norwich. While there is no charge for the Author’s Hour “Writer’s Workshop” series, CCHS welcomes contributions to support future operations. Visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org for more details about this and other CCHS programs.
First established in 1939, CCHS is the primary organization dedicated to actively and comprehensively preserving the history of Chenango County. The area’s premier heritage museum, the organization celebrates local culture – unique traditions, noteworthy residents, and unusual stories of the region. CCHS programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
