Florida Folklife Program Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Tallahassee –

The Florida Folklife Program is celebrating its 40^th anniversary at the Florida Folk Festival on May 24-26, 2019 at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, Florida.

“I am thrilled to celebrate this milestone anniversary for one of the nation’s oldest state folklife programs,” said Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee. “The Florida Folklife Program has illuminated the state’s traditional arts and culture for Floridians and visitors alike, and preserved Florida’s vibrant cultural heritage, connecting the past to the present. I look forward to their continued success over the next forty years and beyond."

This milestone celebration begins by launching a new logo design that represents the three defining characteristics of Florida folklife: diversity, the evolution of culture and the interplay between Florida’s environment and culture. The Folklife Area at the Florida Folk Festival will showcase a wide array of traditional arts reflective of these themes, as well as a “Folklife at 40” panel featuring past State Folklorists who will share stories from the field and discuss the program’s legacy.

To commemorate the 40^th anniversary, Florida Folklife has added special stories and content to its website highlighting the people, history and significant contributions of the Florida Folklife Program throughout the years.

“The Florida Folklife Program has been successful because of the commitment of the folklorists and artists who work to preserve Florida’s traditions for future generations,” said State Folklorist Amanda Hardeman Griffis. “Their stories remind us how we got here and the impact of the program on Florida’s history. I’m proud to be part of the Florida Folklife Program during its 40^th anniversary celebration.”

Since its establishment in July 1979, Florida Folklife has funded nearly 200 apprenticeships, awarded 134 Folk Heritage Awards, produced albums, films and radio programs, created educational resources and documented countless tradition bearers presented annually at the Florida Folk Festival.

Learn more about Florida Folklife and the stories, traditions and people that have shaped Florida’s unique cultural landscape by visiting www.FLheritage.com/Folklife and following Florida Folklife on Facebook.

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About the Florida Folklife Program

The Florida Folklife Program, a component of the Florida Department of State's Division of Historical Resources, documents and presents Florida's folklife, folklore and folk arts. The program coordinates a wide range of activities and projects designed to increase the awareness of Floridians and visitors alike about Florida's traditional culture. Established in 1979 by the legislature to document and present Florida folklife, this program is one of the oldest state folk arts programs in the nation. For more information, visit FLheritage.com/Folklife.