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Posted by: Meg Nicholas
In this entry of Folklife Today, a casual listen to a lesser-known AFC collection quickly morphs into a twisty exploration of a centuries-old murder case, its ties to a regional folk drink, and some of the challenges encountered when working with oral histories. This entry is the first in a two-part series.
Posted in: Collection Highlight, Oral History
Posted by: Meg Nicholas
An excerpt from AFC's collection of circus worker oral histories helps to contextualize the Library's oldest poster.
Posted in: clowns, Collection Highlight
Posted by: Meg Nicholas
The American Folklife Center shares the stories of female pilots and women who worked in the aviation field in honor of the 15th annual Women in Aviation Worldwide Week (March 3-9, 2025).
Posted in: Collection Highlight, Women's History
Posted by: Meg Nicholas
Though primarily an audio-visual archive, the American Folklife Center is also home to several examples of traditional and folk crafts, such as a handmade notebook of sewing examples, made by Elsie Reinhart sometime between 1890-1920 and donated to the Library in 1977.
Posted in: Textiles
Posted by: Meg Nicholas
In an attempt to inspire herself and others to finish handmade gifts for the holidays, Folklife Specialist Meg Nicholas takes readers on a quick tour of hand-crafted items documented in the Center’s field survey collections.
Posted in: Collection Highlight, Crafts, Folk Art, Material Culture, Quilts, Textile arts
Posted by: Meg Nicholas
The American Folklife Center shares recipes, songs, and photographs that celebrate the fruit of the season: cranberries.
Posted in: Collection Highlight, Foodways, Thanksgiving
Posted by: Meg Nicholas
Are you looking to learn a new game to help celebrate National Game and Puzzle Week (November 20-26)? You’re in luck! The AFC archives include examples of games that can inspire your next family game night, including Ghost in the Graveyard, Pass the Trash, El Florón, bingo, and many others.
Posted in: Collection Highlight, Games
Posted by: Meg Nicholas
The American Folklife Center took part in the Library's Halloween-themed Family Day in October. In addition to showcasing a few items from the archive, AFC staff led visitors in an activity (making paper fortune-tellers) and encouraged participation in an engagement question around cryptids, ghost stories and urban legends.
Posted in: AFC Events, Halloween, La Llorona, Legends
Posted by: Meg Nicholas
The American Folklife Center takes readers on a virtual tour through the graveyards and cemeteries documented in its archives on the eve of National Visit a Cemetery Day (October 29).
Posted in: Collection Highlight