The Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center | New York
Storytelling at the Hans Christian Andersen Statue in Central Park
About Hans Christian Andersen Videos and podcasts of storytelling at the Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center About The Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center Friends and Sponsors home Support Us Education and Outreach Programs Meet our Storytellers Directions and Map From The Archives Photo Gallery useful links
The Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center
NEW YORK CITY

SUMMER 2023 STORYTELLING EVENTS

 

Mini-Festival of Storytelling and Music

September 30, 2023 from 11AM - 1PM

Cancelled Due to Flooding in Central Park.
Watch for possible New Date

The Hans Christian Andersen Story Telling Center is pleased to be back in Central Park for storytelling for all ages. This is our 65th year at the Andersen Statue, and on September 30 we will celebrate the birthday of the Duckling, an annual event for all ages, featuring some of the best storytellers from New York and around the world.

Linda Humes will tell African Tales
accompanied by drummer Sanga of the Valley
• Laura Simms will tell Andersen’s iconic story of The Ugly Duckling,
accompanied by Met violinist Shem Guiborny
• Therese Plair will tell a version of Andersen’s tale The Flying Trunk
• Philadelphia-based mime and storyteller Ed Stivender
will tell Andersen’s There is a Difference
• And there will be many other storytellers on hand for a village storytelling event, including
Usha Venkatraman from India,
Valentina Ortiz from Mexico and
Robin Bady from Brooklyn.


On summer Saturdays since 1956, New York children have gathered around Hans Christian Andersen's statue at the Conservatory Pond in Central Park to hear his tales told by a fine ensemble of storytellers.
Fairy and Folk Tales From Around The World!
For Audiences of All Ages

Story center logo
The Fairy Tale - Thumbelina - by Hans Christian Andersen


SCHEDULE

 

JUNE 2023

DATE

STORYTELLERS

STORIES

STORIES ORIGIN

6/17/2023 at 11 AM

April Armstrong
Laura Simms
Musician – Salieu Suso
The Teapot
The Nightingale
Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen
6/24/2023 at 11 AM

Therese Plair
Ed Stivender
Special Emcee: Melissa Heckler
The Flying Trunk
There is a Difference
Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen

JULY 2023

7/1/2023 at 11 AM

Bill Gordh w/Banjo
Rachael Harrington
Special Emcee: Ellen Shapiro
Little Ida's Flowers
The Queen's Horse
Hans Christian Andersen
Irish
7/8/2023 at 11 AM

Jean Hale
Regina Ress
Ron Sopyla
Special Emcee: Regina Ress

The Pixie
The Wicked Prince
The Most Incredible Thing of All

Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen

7/15/2023 at 11 AM

Michele Carlo
Robin Bady w/guitar
Special Emcee: Laura Simms
Juan Bobo and his Pig
The Journey of the Beetle
Puerto Rican
Hans Christian Andersen
7/22/2023 at 11 AM

Megan Wells
Joy Kelly w/guitar
Special Emcee: Laura Simms
The Sandman
Annsi & the Moss Covered Stone
Hans Christian Andersen
North African
7/29/2023 at 11 AM

Simon Brooks, w/drums
Special Emcee: Laura Simms
Foolish Hans
Hans Christian Andersen

AUGUST 2023

8/5/2023 at 11 AM

Milbre Burch
Special Emcee: Heather Forrest
The Enchanted Sister
Pennsylvania Dutch
8/12/2023 at 11 AM

Usha Venkatraman, w/puppets
Heather Forest, w/guitar
Special Emcee: Laura Simms
Sun and Moon
The Emperor's New Clothes
Nigeria
Hans Christian Andersen

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

11AM - 1PM

Mini-Festival of Storytelling and Music


DUCKLING'S BIRTHDAY PARTY
duckling

Cancelled Due to Flooding in Central Park.
Watch for possible New Date

The annual celebration of the DUCKLING'S BIRTHDAY PARTY.
Hear Andersen tales, and global stories, with music, in honor of beauty and kindness.

Storytelling at the Hans Christian Andersen Statue in Central Park has been an iconic New York City tradition since 1956. Children and adults of all ages are transported into worlds within worlds as they listen to a talented ensemble of storytellers presenting fairytales, folk stories, and true-life stories that showcase the richness and diversity of cultures from around the world. This return of live storytelling at the Hans Christian Andersen statue symbolizes hope, joy and resilience. It also is a renewed commitment to fostering imagination, community, and love of New York, while celebrating diversity and kindness. This beautiful outdoor setting offers a unique opportunity for families and individuals to spend quality time engaged in narratives away from electronic devices. Attendees can immerse themselves in the art of story telling while enjoying the beauty of the open air in Central Park, making meaningful connections, and creating lasting memories. Our mini-festival on September 30 marks the conclusion of our Summer 2023 season in the Park.
Our programs are offered free of charge!
Join us!
Let your imagination soar!.

 

Cancelled Due to Flooding in Central Park.
Watch for possible New Date
9/30/2023
11AM - 1PM


Linda Humes
Musician: Sangha of the Valley
African Tales
Africa


Laura Simms
Musician: Shem Guiborny, violin
The Ugly Duckling Hans Christian Andersen
  Therese Plair
The Flying Trunk Hans Christian Andersen
  Ed Stivender
There is a Difference Hans Christian Andersen
  Usha Venkatraman - from India, Valentina Ortiz - from Mexico,
Robin Bady - from Brooklyn

Village storytelling event various
 

The history of Hans Christian Andersen's Statue

More than sixty summers in New York City's Central Park

Fairy Tales From Around The World

On Saturdays all summer long since 1956, New York children have gathered around Hans Christian Andersen's statue at the Conservatory Pond in Central Park to hear his tales told by a fine ensemble of storytellers. Celebrity performers such as Victor Borge, Eva la Gallienne, Fanny Hurst and Celeste Holm have also visited, telling their favorite stories.

Where to find Storytelling Saturdays at 11 by the Statue of Hans Christian AndersenThe idea for the statue originated with Baroness Alma Dahlerup, then president of the Danish-American Women's Association of New York, who had for years arranged for Andersen's stories to be read on the radio. Robert Moses, then New York City Parks Commissioner, secured the 'perfect' site and the City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Central Park Conservancy have given their active support ever since. A significant share of the funding for the statue came from donations made by school children both in Denmark and the United States. Danish-American sculptor George Lober created the larger-than-life bronze statue that was commissioned in 1954, in anticipation of marking the 150th anniversary of the author's birth. Hans Christian Andersens' well-rubbed knees are ample evidence of the fun children continue to have sitting on his lap.

Fairytales and Storytelling is popular with kids and adultsspaceThe statue has become a symbol of the good relations between the United States and Denmark. Following a tradition established by her father and mother, her Majesty, Queen Margrethe II visited the statue in 1976 during her American Bicentennial trip. Other members of the Danish royal family continue to visit. In 1964, the City of Copenhagen contributed two 19th century street lamps that now stand on each side of the statue. In 1985, New York City Parks Commissioner Henry Stern, wishing to reciprocate, sent two New York City street lamps to Copenhagen, which can be seen standing in Dantes Plads. More historic information to be found in "From The Archives."

 

Support

PayPal link Hans Christian Andersen Storycenter

If you and the children in your life enjoy our free storytelling sessions in Central Park, please consider making a donation to ensure the continued survival of the program. Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center is a not for profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. Donations of $25 or above will receive a formal receipt.

PayPal link Hans Christian Andersen Storycenter


Sponsored by
the Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center, Inc.
in cooperation with the City of New York / Parks & Recreation and The Central Park Conservancy.

Storytelling Schedule | Directions
About Hans Christian Andersen| About The Center | Outreach | Meet Our Story Tellers | Friends & Sponsors | Support Us
Videos & podcasts | Archives | Photos | Links | Home | Visit us on Facebook find hca storycenter on facebook | Visit us on Youtube youtube
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/hcastorytelling #hcastorytelling

© copyright 2023 The Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center, Inc.

Website Design by Camilart ©2009-2023 Camilla Marstrand Golden