What prompted a young, single, pioneer schoolteacher to leave the classroom and journey alone to the West Coast by train in 1913? That question inspired author Elaine McAllister to explore a long-held family mystery—one she brings to life in All Aboard!: The Adventures of Miss Ratcliff." Through creative nonfiction and historical research, McAllister paints a vivid portrait of Quaker settler life in the late 1800s and early 1900s, following her grandmother’s adventures from Kansas to the Pacific.
McAllister is a passionate advocate for preserving family history through what she calls “Generational Storytelling," urging older adults to pass on meaningful narratives to children and grandchildren. She believes storytelling can be a powerful way to connect generations. She encourages grandparents and caregivers to weave family stories into everyday conversations, helping children to see themselves as part of a larger story.
Join us for this engaging event with Elaine as she shares excerpts from "All Aboard," offers insights into generational storytelling, and provides tools for preserving your own family's legacy.
This is a hybrid program: Attend in person at Newton Public Library, 223 E. 7th, Newton, KS, or click here to register for the Zoom Webinar simulcast:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yB2sQjrCQlOnje8Jnd5lWw. Elaine McAllister will be with us in person.
For more info about Elaine and her activities as a writer, author, blogger and columnist, go to elainemcallister.com.
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![Kansas Author Talk: Elaine McAllister on "All Aboard!" and Generational Storytelling, 4 November](https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/2e87600960c13897fa31085f0ddfb3f2afe2c2d45df6cdcfb133b7823a30ec5e-rimg-w1000-h1000-dc2d312c-gmir?v=1761847917 "Kansas Author Talk: Elaine McAllister on "All Aboard!" and Generational Storytelling, Newton Public Library, 4 November 2025 | AllEvents")
