26 titles from award winning author, Ed Okonowicz

Ed Okonowicz

Ed Okonowicz, a Delaware native, worked as an editor and writer at the University of Delaware, where he continues to teach courses in folklore, storytelling, communication and writing.

He earned a B.A. in music education in 1970 and a M.A. in communication in 1984, both from the University of Delaware. A professional storyteller, Ed presents a number of programs throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. He is a member of the Delaware Humanities Forum Speakers Bureau and Visiting Scholars Program and the Maryland Humanities Council Speakers Bureau. He has served on the Maryland State Arts Council Traditional/Folk Arts Advisory Panel.

He is the author of 24 books. They range from biographies and oral history to short story collections about Mid-Atlantic ghost stories, legends and folklore. He also has written two murdery mystery novels set in the fictional state of DelMarVa.

His programs on teaching Delaware and Maryland history through folklore and legends are popular in schools and libraries. He also offers workshops in writing and storytelling and public speaking.

One of his most popular programs is a presentation of Delaware, Maryland and Delmarva history for visitors attending state, regional and national conferences. Following is a sampling of some of his clients

• National Association of Press Women (national convention)
• Military reunions
• Fraternal organizations (Knights of Columbus and Masonic Order)
• College and student meetings (Americorps and Governor's School for Excellence)
• Occupational conventions (Maryland Library Association, University Continuing Education Association, Mid-Atlantic Region)
• Elderhostels, Academy of Lifelong Learning
(For a more extensive list, visit the PROGRAMS page, and scroll to the bottom.)

Because of his many books on ghosts and folklore, Ed has been a speaker at numerous paranormal conferences, sponsored by the

• International Ghost Hunters Society
• Pennsylvania Paranormal Conference
• Baltimore Society for Paranormal Research

As a storyteller he has been named a featured teller at Philadelphia's Tellabration and twice at The Gathering, a Mid-Atlantic regional storytelling convention. He has appeared on The Learning Channel and has been interviewed on numerous local and regional television and radio stations.

Selected Awards

• Delaware Today magazine, "Best Local Author" in the 2005 "Best of Delaware Readers' Poll"

• AmPol (American's of Polish Descent Cultural Society) Person of the Year Achievement Award , 2002

• National Paranomal Awards, Best Speaker at the Eastern Regional Paranormal Conference, 2004, Baltimore, presented by Maryland Paranormal Investigators Coalition

• Storytelling World Honor Awards, Welcome Inn, "Concert by Candlelight" (1996), Terrifying Tales of the Beaches and Bays, "A Horrifyingly True Fishing Story" (2001) best adult story category

• National Association of Press Women, 1998 Communication Contest, Disappearing Delmarva, best general book award and best photojournalism entry

Tours

With Mike Dixon, Cecil County historian, Ed presents cemetery walks and historic town walking tours as fund raising events for non-profit organizations throughout Delmarva and nearby states.

Contact: edo@mystandlace.com