Storytelling has long been a part of folk festivals in Florida and one of the longest running events in the state is held twice yearly at the Barberville Pioneer Settlement near Deland, Fl.
Storytellers have been spinning their tales at the Barberville Jamboree for more than 25 years, says Florida storyteller Mary Lee Sweet, who along with her husband Frank entertain and educate as singers/storytellers.
Dressed in period costumes from the 1800s, Mary and Frank tell Civil War era stories with song as the BackinTyme duo. They have performed at many of the Florida Storytelling Association festivals and for years they have been in charge of the storytelling at the Barberville Jamborees, two-day events held in November and April.
“Frank and I have been keeping the stories alive in Barberville for more than ten years,” says Mary. But they are planning to move to another part of the state in the future and are seeking volunteers to step up and take over.
Mary says they will assist and guide anyone who is willing to take on the responsibility. This would involve lining up tellers for the two-day festivals. The storytelling tent is open from 9 am to 5 pm on the Saturday and Sunday of the event. Mary says the stories do not have to be Florida folk tales or Florida historical stories. All types of family friendly stories are welcome.
Some of the past tellers have included FSA members such as Debra Weller, Cheryl Floyd and BackinTyme. Check out some past performances (Backintyme: Stories Told in Florida – YouTube)
The Barberville Pioneer Settlement is located on a 30-acre tract near the intersection of State Road 40 and US 17 in Volusia County (a few miles north of Deland and west of Ormand Beach). Founded in 1976, it is run by a private, non-profit volunteer organization. There are 19 historical structures and over 10,000 artifacts. It is open for self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.
The centerpiece of the Pioneer Settlement is the original Barberville Central High School (circa 1919). During the festivals there are pioneer demonstrations and musical entertainment as well as storytelling. Erik Nielsen, public liaison for the Barberville Settlement, says that before COVID, the festivals averaged between 1,000 and 5,000 visitors over the two-day events.
Mary says the festivals are a great place for learning and a great way to preserve the art of storytelling. “Please don’t let the stories disappear at Barberville,” she says. “Volunteers are needed to save the stories and provide a new and vibrant adventure for everyone.”
Mary can be reached at 386-439-9413 www.backintyme.com
Informative post! I look forward to learning about the next Festival there.
Thanks for the information. While I am not in a position to be an organizer for the event, please keep me on the list of potential storytellers. I live less than 30 minutes from Barberville. We would also be happy to host a storyteller who might be coming into the area for the event and needs overnight accommodations.
Janeane Reagan