Heritage Work
I work with a variety of different museums to deliver heritage lottery funded projects, heritage interpretation, storytelling sessions and visitor engagement.
As a performance storyteller and as a consultant, I can be found telling stories inspired by the artefacts within museum collections as well as tales told around the fire, by the many groups of people, through time, who made the British landscape their home.
I can often be found regularly telling at The Weald And Downland Living Museum covering folklore and living history that spans 1300 years, from the Anglo Saxon era to the Victorians.
As a consultant I have worked with heritage sites to create bespoke interactive stories that bring to life the unique elements of the sites. I have created stories for Royal Victoria Country Park, Butser Ancient Farm, Staunton Country Park, Portsmouth Archives, Gilbert White's House and Gardens and Petersfield Museum. For example of my clients click here.
Get in touch to find out how we can work together to bring the unique aspects of your site to life for your visitors.
The South Downs National Park Authority: July 2022 - July 2023
As maternity leave cover for the Place and Interpretation Officer at South Downs National Park Authority, I was the lead on all interpretation projects, working with multiple partners and stakeholders, to communicate the unique wildlife, heritage and the landscape found across the 100 miles of the South Downs, creating engaging interpretation, that encourages partnership and custodianship
Over the year I produced copy for and oversaw the design and installation of, multiple traditional interpretation boards for different communities and habitats within the National Park. Produced two walking tours one of which I researched, scripted and recorded. Produced content for the park’s social media channels in the form of articles, podcasts, folklore and storytelling videos. Wrote articles for their magazine, press and website. Developed, scripted and produced an innovative accessible audio tour which explores the nature, landscape and seasons of the Seven Sisters Country Park.
TESTIMONIALS
Over the spring and summer of 2021, Dawn undertook a project to create three interactive stories for our museum. From the start to the end of the project Dawn was both thorough and professional in her approach. She took the time to get to know our site and appreciate the special qualities of the place. She then undertook meticulous research to create stories which truly captured the personalities of the explorers celebrated in our museum, as well as bringing to life some of the unsung heroines in the form of mothers, aunts and sisters so that female voices were brought to the fore. Dawn's imaginative and creative approach means she finds many different ways to tell stories- the stories she created for our museum are interactive and multisensory, using both objects and sounds to take the audience to the darkness of an Antarctic winter or the savannah of Africa. Dawn researched, purchased and assembled the prop boxes which are an integral part of the stories. The stories Dawn created are continuing to entertain audiences both as part of our school's programme and as a part of our visitor offer.
Fiona Oakley, Learning Programmes Manager, Gilbert White Field Studies Centre
'Thank you so much for coming down today, it was a pleasure to have you as always!
Paige Beggs, General Manager Winchester Venues, Hampshire Cultural Trust.
'We loved your stories. The kids even re told the story of stingy Jack to their Dad'
Kim, Visitor, Review via Kids And Me Adventures.
'I and my step granddaughter 4 yrs were entranced by a story teller who told us about the queen rat, her treasure and a hapless labourer who cleaned out the cess pits during the night. Most entertaining and not a sound was heard from the spellbound audience both adult and children of all ages. That tells you something.'
Steve H, Visitor, Review via Trip Advisor.
In every phase - conception, writing, delivery and training – Dawn has been outstanding. Her research into the specific periods dealt with in each story, as well as her understanding of our particular requirements was excellent. Dawn consulted and sought feedback at every stage of the development of the project. Her engagement with the process and, in particular, with the members of our staff and our volunteers whom she trained was utterly first class.
Dawn has developed stories, delivered costumes and props, and engendered enthusiasm and skills in our storytellers which are now tangible assets for our business. We would recommend Dawn to any prospective client without hesitation.'
Maureen Page, Director, Buster Ancient Farm
DD Storyteller, was exceptionally professional in the setting up of her contract with us. She paid attention to detail and thoroughly engaged in the researching the history of Staunton Country Park in the development of her story and script. The materials she sourced were highly creative and she was flexible with the content of her story, so as to fit it with our requirements. Lastly, during the days performance of the story, Dawn had to gage attention of about 40 people in total during high winds—which she carried off with animation and grace! A pleasure to work with, looking forward to future projects with her.”
Katrina Foxton, Staunton Country Park, Hampshire.