West Shore Community College (WSCC) invites the community to explore the power of storytelling through its HumanKind Series, a slate of free, public programs examining how stories shape history, culture, identity, and human connection. Events run January through April at venues across the community.
The series opens Jan. 29 with “Stories of Mass Hysteria: McCarthyism and The Crucible,” a presentation held in conjunction with WSCC’s Theater production of The Crucible. Dr. Abigail Runk will examine how fear and accusation fueled the Red Scare and the lasting lessons of mass hysteria. The program begins at 7 p.m. at the Mason County District Library in Ludington.
Additional highlights include “Moving the Needle: Using Authentic Narrative to Build Brand Trust” on Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. via Zoom; a panel discussion on Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake on Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. in the William M. Anderson Library at WSCC; and “Once Upon a Time: The Power of Myth in Human Experience” on Feb. 25 at 12:30 p.m., exploring how myths shape identity and meaning.
On March 12, poet and performing artist Phil Kaye brings spoken word to Center Stage Theater with “Poetry in Motion,” a live performance at 7 p.m. The series continues April 9 with “If the Declaration of Independence could talk, what story would it tell?” at 12:30 p.m. at the Mason County Research Center, and concludes April 22 with “West Shore Stories,” a faculty and staff panel sharing personal narratives of growth and discovery at 12:30 p.m. in the William M. Anderson Library.
Complementing the lecture series, WSCC also presents the Vogue Film Series, featuring free screenings at the Vogue Theater in Manistee at 7 p.m.: Little Women (Jan. 5), Stardust (Feb. 16), Dances With Wolves (March 11), and Interstellar (April 17).
Zoom access information for online programs is available at bit.ly/humankindwinter26.
For a complete schedule or more information, visit westshore.edu/humankind or email humankind@westshore.edu