Down a narrow sidewalk in Disston Heights sits the modest concrete ranch house where Kerouac once lived. Inside, decades of history linger.
Every month since June 2024, the current owners of the home, Ken and Gina Burchenal, open the white front door and invite 20 to 25 storytellers, poets, actors and neighbors inside the author’s final residence. These get-togethers focus on telling stories and myths, paying homage to Kerouac’s preferred stream-of-consciousness style.
Victoria Dym, the Kerouac House’s appointed storyteller in residence, hosts these intimate meetings. An opening performer warms up the room with a five- to seven-minute story, followed by the evening’s featured storyteller, who takes the spotlight for 20 to 30 minutes.
The opener this month is Ben Leslie, an actor, poet and comedian who sets the stage for the featured storyteller, poet Rubin Drew. Dym lovingly describes Drew as a wild storyteller who is “a little off the beaten path.”
The evening wraps up with the fan-favorite tradition: an open mic. Dym takes the first spot, telling an anecdote and urging guests to test their skills in the safe space. She likes to think that Kerouac’s soul lurks throughout the house, enticing newcomers to speak their truths.
“We feel that his spirit is still here. Not to get too crazy,” Dym offers, remembering a night she stayed in the house and felt a presence. “Ghost hunters have even come in and found some activity inside.”
Dym believes these gatherings spread interest in storytelling by fostering a stronger community and creating strong bonds.
“I think the need for people to get together in a safe space is important. Rather than just watching a movie or sitting idle in a theater, it’s participatory, or has the hopes of being participatory,” Dym shares. “I think it’s also necessary because people need to express themselves more than ever. They can have free speech in those four walls.”
Storytelling at the Kerouac House is a monthly event that starts at 7pm. January’s event is on Saturday the 31st. For more information on the home, visit stpetekerouachouse.com and for tickets, visit eventbrite.com
