I am delighted to be one of eight survivors and friends involved in an Oral History Project. Five of us are Jonestown survivors - John Cobb, Jordan Vilchez, Leslie Wagner-Wilson, Versie Perkins, and me. Two more lost much loved family members in Jonestown - Vera Washington and Teresa Cobb. And, we have an additional friend, a psychologist, Dr. Gary Maynard, working with us. I have started my contacts and I am really delighted to give voice to people who have not yet shared their own stories. I have expressed many times in the past thirty-five ...
» continue readingJONESTOWN SURVIVOR NEWS: On Tuesday June 25, 2013, in San Francisco, I met with members of the American Theater Company from Chicago. They are acting in Leigh Fondakowski's play THE PEOPLES TEMPLE. These high school students came to visit the California Historical Society to look at the Peoples Temple archive. They will meet other survivors, visit Evergreen Cemetery, and visit Ukiah. They will perform at the ATC, in Chicago, in late July.
» continue readingJONESTOWN SURVIVOR at Casa de los Amigos in Mexico City I was a guest of Casa de los Amigos in Mexico City for three days in June, 2013. For me, a requirement for any “adventure” is to experience something outside of my personal comfort zone. The trip I took with my husband, leaving from San Diego, entailed many advertures. We flew on Volaris Airlines, out of Tijuana for the first time. Our son Raul dropped us at the border first thing in the morning. We walked across the border and took a taxi out to the airport. ...
» continue readingThis is an updated biography IN SPANISH - now that I have had several events in Mexico City. JONESTOWN SURVIVOR: An Insider’s Look (Sobreviviente de Jonestown: Una Mirada desde Adentro) Laura Johnston Kohl El 18 de noviembre de 1978, 914 miembros del colectivo "Peoples Temple" (el templo del pueblo) y cuatro norteamericanos visitantes murieron en Guyana, América del Sur. Laura Johnston Kohl fue una de los 87 sobrevivientes de la tragedia. Laura se había sumado al Peoples Temple en California en 1970, y fue un miembro activo y apasionado hasta que el final. Se mudó a Guyana en el mes ...
» continue readingYesterday, (5/25/13) Johnny, Jordan, Teresa, Gary Maynard, and I met with Vera at Vera's house (with Leslie on the phone) to plan and move forward on the PT Oral History Project. I'm on the road and can't upload some of the photos - but they are forthcoming! WE had a great, intimate time. I love spending time with these wonderful friends - really family. I've known Vera since 1970 - 43 years!
» continue readingJONESTOWN SURVIVOR will be traveling to exciting places these next six months. I'll be spending time in San Diego - at libraries, historical societies, and local universities and colleges. But, I'll also fly off to the East Coast and visit Pennsylvania for a Communal Studies Conference, and visit York University. My biggest trip will be to Mexico City to present my Spiritual Journey. The two other things are in the works. A Peoples Temple Oral History Project is starting, which will likely consume the rest of my summer, and will be an ongoing effort. ...
» continue readingI always have at least three family members or friends of survivors or of those who died in Jonestown who correspond with me and ask questions about Peoples Temple, life in Jonestown, and their loved one. Recently, I responded with one who lost her sister, and her sister's family. Each survivor you speak with will have different points of view on most of the things in Jonestown - except we universally hate what Jim ultimately did. I don't like to get into in-depth discussion on email - it is too frustrating. But, here are my thoughts ...
» continue readingDuring the first three months of 2013, I traveled to Washington State and all over Northern California. I have future trips to Mexico City over the summer and Pennsylvania in early October. Now, I'm working on some more local Book Talks. My favorite venues are universities and libraries. This month, I'll be presenting at Dr. Quinney's History of Religion in America class at Cal State San Marcos, and at the Borrego Springs Library. Also this month, I'll appear on the Ricki Lake Show.
» continue readingHello everyone, Last week, I got this email from PJ Paparelli at the Chicago American Theater Company. Several years ago, Claire and I flew out to Chicago, and Nell came over from Indianapolis, to see the play. We were able to support Leigh and the American Theater Company by attending the play. PJ hosted us and has become a good friend. Here is PJ's email: American Theater Company has grown so much since you were here in 2008. Besides are productions, we have an amazing education program in the Chicago Public Schools. Last year we started a Youth Ensemble ...
» continue readingHi all, Leslie Wagner Wilson and I will appear on the Ricki Lake Show on Friday, April 12. Times vary in different cities. In peace, Laura
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