Meet the Renowned Historical Storyteller Behind jimtwocrows

About the Storyteller

National award winning oral Historian, Jim Two Crows Wallen, combines his love of history with a good story keeping his audiences spellbound. The Missouri Native has captivated audiences for more than four decades spanning four continents and 46 of the 50 States. Program attendees have often described him as a living museum, and are quoted as saying, “he made me feel like I was actually there.”

Two Crows presentations are interactive and age appropriate. His stories are carefully researched and his clothing historically accurate. Many of his artifacts and authentic clothing he makes himself. Two Crows invites you to be submerged in history through his exceptional presentations.

Timeline

1929

My Dad bought his first Model “A” Ford when he was ten years old. In his lifetime he owned a 164 more. He was highly respected the world over for his expertise on Henry Ford’s Model “A”s.

1903

My Grandfather Jimmie Crow Wallen whom I was named after was born in Benton County, Missouri. He was a fur buyer, hunter, and a truck patch farmer.

1890s

My Great Grandfather Henry M. Wallen went to the gold fields of Alaska and was successful finding gold.

1861-1865

17 of my ancestors fought in the Civil War. 16 for the North and one for the South. 1 died in battle and two died of disease. One was a Chaplin in the 49th Indiana USA, one was a second corporal in the 19th Tennessee Calvary CSA, the other 15 all Wallen’s served mostly in the 1st Kentucky Calvary and all except one served as privates.

1812

Evan Wallen my 5th Great Grandfather fought in the War of 1812.

1749

Edward Cather born 1749 in Kentucky. Fought in the Revolutionary War with Rogers Rangers. He was my 7th Great-Grandfather on my mom’s paternal side.

1739

David Epperson Sr. My 8th Great Grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War and was at Valley Forge his son was also there and passed away in the hospital. He was on my dad’s maternal side.

1623

Ralph and Joyce Wallen arrive at Plymouth Rock on the ship Anne. First Wallen’s I know of coming to the New World.

Resume

Name: Jim Two Crows Wallen

Born: December 10, 1950

Experience:

Owner of Tale-A-Visions my storytelling company

2003 National Storytelling Grant Award Winner

1999 recipient of National Storytelling Network Service Award

Growing up with my grandfather, Jimmie Crow Wallen, a traditional storyteller

Founder, Lifetime Member and twice past Director of River and Prairie Storyweavers.

MO-TELL Storytelling Inc. Current secretary of the board

Member of the National Storytelling Network

Former Missouri Humanities Speakers Bureau Speaker

Workshop Presenter

Author

Recording artist: 2003 National Pegasus Award for audio recording “Smelly Skunks and Crafty Coyotes”

Former Missouri State Representative for the National Youth Storytelling Olympics

Certified Professional Santa

Member of Englewood Church current board secretary

Member of National Frontiersman Camping Fellowship

Member of the Southern Missouri District Frontiersman Camping Fellowship

Past President of Local 218 Bakery Union

Experience

Extensive research in museums and archives across the nation, ie: Soldier Field Museum, Chicago IL.; Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron, NE.; School of the Ozarks Museum, Ozark, MO.; Cherokee Heritage Museum, Talequah OK.; Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, OK.; Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, NE.; National Trails Center, Independence, MO.

I have 19 historical programs that I perform.

Quote:

“Your stories and authentic costumes left everyone stunned. You have a wonderful variety of stories and you have the talent to present them in such a dramatic and unforgettable way. I appreciated your taking time after your stories to visit with young and old alike. I have always felt follow up was important and obviously you do too.”

Storytelling Festivals & Events:

  • 1 2018-1996 Storytelling Workshop presenter: GA, IA, IN, KS, MD, MO, NE, NM, NV, OK, SD, TX, VA.
  • 2 1995 workshop presenter at National Storytelling Network in Atlanta GA. Title of Workshop “Are You Ready To Take the Plunge?”
  • 3 1998: National Storytelling Conference, Kansas City, MO. I was the local host chair of the conference.
  • 4 2018-1991 Storytelling Festivals as a Featured or Regional Teller: GA, IL, KS, KY, MN, MO, NV, SD, TN, TX.
  • 5 2018 & 2016, Pipestone Civil War Days, Featured Teller, Pipestone, MN.
  • 1 2014-2013, National Geographic’s “Real Pirates” exhibit Union Station, Kansas City, MO. Performed as Black Beard the Pirate.
  • 2 2014, 2005, 2003: International Storytelling Center, Jonesborough, TN. Teller-in-Residence.
  • 3 2004, Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Signature Event, official storyteller for the event.
  • 4 2004 & 1998 St. Louis Storytelling Festival, Featured Teller.

Educational Programs:

  • 1 2018-1983: Pre-school, Elementary, Middle, Junior High, College & Universities
  • 2 2003, DOD Performances in Southern Germany 45 performances in 21 days for military base schools.
  • 3 1999, National Council of Teachers of English Regional Conference, Kansas City, MO. Featured Speaker.
  • 4 1998, 25th Plains International Reading Association, Junction City, KS. Rapid City, SD. Featured Presenter.1997, National School-Age Care Alliance Conference, workshop presenter. Orlando, FL.

Corporate & Organizations:

  • 1 2018-1980: Hundreds of performances in the corporate & both public and private organizations in IL, KS, MO.
  • 2 2018 & 2016, Camp Quality, Wichita, KS. 1999-1995 Camp Quality, Excelsior Springs & Stewartsville, MO.
  • 3 2017-2015 Hallmark Cards Distribution Center, Liberty, MO. Santa for children of employees.
  • 4 1996, Menorah Medical Center Grand Opening, Overland Park, KS. Performer

Churches & Church Camps:

  • 1 2018-1980: Many performances at churches and camps in Missouri & Kansas.
  • 2 1996, Church Media Library Conference, Salina, KS. Featured workshop presenter.
  • 3 1992, National Catholic Librarians Conference, St. Louis, MO. Workshop presenter.