Join folklorists, community scholars, teachers, folk artists and others interested in cultural documentation for a folklife gathering from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 19 at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort. This is an opportunity to gather and informally share research, participate in workshops and learn the status of projects across the Commonwealth.

The purpose of the gathering, made possible through a grant awarded by South Arts, is to explore the possibility of a Kentucky folklife association. Hosted by the Kentucky Folklife Program, a partnership of the Kentucky Arts Council (KAC) and the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), the folklife gathering will give those in attendance an opportunity to share their experiences and discuss upcoming events and programs, enjoy special presentations and explore the KHS history campus.

Ellen Hale, of the New York Folklore Society, will offer a presentation on folklife societies and Judy Sizemore, KAC roster artist and community scholar, will discuss funding opportunities and strategies for successful documentation projects. Community scholars will present a narrative stage about utilizing scholar training.  Guest will also enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the KHS special collections at the Center for Kentucky History.

Registration, which includes a box lunch, is $10 and required by June 9. To learn more about the gathering, contact Alisha Martin, folklife specialist, at alisha.martin@ky.gov or 502-564-1792, ext. 4555.

An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, since 1836, has provided connections to the past, perspective on the present, and inspiration for the future.  KHS operates the Old State Capitol, the Kentucky Military History Museum, and its headquarters, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History.  Since 1999, the thirty-million-dollar Center has welcomed more than one million visitors. For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit the website at www.history.ky.gov.