Aretha Franklin & Julia Ward Howe: Storytelling Pairings, America250
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Experience an inspiring evening as two extraordinary women whose voices helped shape America come to life. Betty Sawyer portrays Aretha Franklin, whose powerful music and unwavering support for the civil rights movement made her an enduring cultural icon, while Holly Robison brings Julia Ward Howe to the stage, sharing the story of the abolitionist, poet, and composer whose words stirred a nation toward freedom and justice. Through engaging first-person storytelling, discover how these remarkable women used their gifts to inspire hope, courage, and lasting change.
The event will be filmed and shared on the Story Crossroads YouTube Channel—but there’s nothing quite like being there in person!
Featured Historical Portrayals on November 12, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m.:
Aretha Franklin — portrayed by Betty Sawyer
Julia Ward Howe — portrayed by Holly Robison
Storytelling Pairings: A Blended Celebration of American Legacy continues on the 2nd and 3rd Thursdays, October–December 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Location:
Salt Lake Art Museum
249 South 400 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Questions? Email [email protected] or call/text Rachel Hedman at (801) 870-5799. Explore more free presentations in this series at http://storycrossroads.org/America250.
Story Crossroads is honored to be one of only 50 organizations nationwide selected to receive an America250 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. This project is presented in collaboration with the Utah Storytelling Guild and the Nubian Storytellers of Utah Leadership.
The event will be filmed and shared on the Story Crossroads YouTube Channel—but there’s nothing quite like being there in person!
Featured Historical Portrayals on November 12, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m.:
Aretha Franklin — portrayed by Betty Sawyer
Julia Ward Howe — portrayed by Holly Robison
Storytelling Pairings: A Blended Celebration of American Legacy continues on the 2nd and 3rd Thursdays, October–December 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Location:
Salt Lake Art Museum
249 South 400 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Questions? Email [email protected] or call/text Rachel Hedman at (801) 870-5799. Explore more free presentations in this series at http://storycrossroads.org/America250.
Story Crossroads is honored to be one of only 50 organizations nationwide selected to receive an America250 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. This project is presented in collaboration with the Utah Storytelling Guild and the Nubian Storytellers of Utah Leadership.
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Where is it happening?
Salt Lake Art Museum, 275 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111-4231, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherStory Crossroads
