Library of Congress
Loc: California Folk Music From 1930s
The Library of Congress provides a collection of 35 hours of folk music recorded during the Depression. The project is unique in that it recorded Slavic, Middle Eastern, European, Spanish and English speaking peoples who lived in...
PBS
Pbs: American Roots Music: Historical Background
What is American roots music? The term "American roots music" may not be a familiar one, and requires some explanation. At the beginning of the 20th Century, the term "folk music" was used by scholars to describe music made by whites of...
University of Florida
Baldwin Library: Indian History for Young Folks by Francis S. Drake
This is an online photocopy of the original text of the children's book Indian History for Young Folks by Francis S. Drake (c1884), the history of the Native Americans.
Other
Stephen Collins Foster: American Dreams
This site provides a wealth of information about the American songwriter, Stephen Foster. This link leads you to the biographical information which is divided into five sections: beginnings, his life's work, the legend, the problems, and...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Social Realism: W. E. B. Du Bois
W. E. B. DuBois is featured here for his writings which advocated human rights for all, but particularly for African Americans in the early twentieth century. Click "W. E. B. DuBois Activities" for related materials.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of the American Indian: Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art
Explore Mexican Folk Art by looking at different types of material and what they are used to make. Choose from clay, metal, leather, paper, plant fibers, stone, wood, and more.
University of Pittsburgh
The Old Folks at Home
This website provides in-depth information on "The Old Folks at Home," a song written by Stephen Foster and performed by Christy's Minstrels. Includes information on the meaning and significance of "Old Folks at Home" and a history of...
Other
Museum of International Folk Art
A collection of folk art from around the world including African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Latin, European, and North American art.
University of North Carolina
Documenting the Amer. South: Kate Chopin: Bayou Folk
The Documenting the American South project has made this full text version of Kate Chopin's novel available online. The page includes a link to a biography of Chopin, html files of the work, as well as title page and cover images.
Library of Congress
Loc: American Memory: The Kiowa Collection
Collection contains images and transcripts of the papers of Hugh Lenox Scott, a soldier in Kiowa territory in 1892. He tells of the Kiowa nation, their history, culture and clashes with whites like Kit Carson.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Joni Mitchell
This is an excellent resource covering the life and musical career of Joni Mitchell. Be sure to check out the interactive timeline.
PBS
Pbs: Archives of the West: Songs of the Plains a Selection of Cowboy Folk Songs
Explore the lyrics of five cowboy songs from 1860's and 1870's.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Their Eyes Were Watching God: Folk Speech, Figurative Language
In this lesson plan, students will consider Their Eyes Were Watching God: Folk Speech and Figurative Language. Worksheets and other supporting materials can be found under the Resources tab. This activity provides students with an...
Other
Johnny Appleseed
A thoughtful account of a beloved American folk hero, Johnny Appleseed. We don't know many facts, but he is remembered for his love of nature and man.
PBS
P.o.v.: Lomax the Songhunter
Resource dedicated to Alan Lomax discussing his role in preserving folk music. Discusses the film about his life and provides activities and additional resources for educators.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Making of African American Identity: w.e.b. Du Bois, Souls of Black Folk
A chapter that explores how white perceptions influence African American identity. Although granted freedom, citizenship, and suffrage by the Civil War amendments, W. E. B. Du Bois explains how the emancipated black person had yet to be...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Community and the Folk, Making of African American Identity: V. 3
A story that examines African American community in a rural setting. Zora Neale Hurston's (1891-1960) brief tale "Spunk" is provided within this resources and documents the expressions of southern black "folk."
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: Uncle Tom's Cabin & American Culture: Old Folks at Home
Here are the lyrics to Stephen Foster's song "Old Folks at Home" which was performed by Christy's Minstrels. Includes general information about the song, specifically concerning what "dramatic productions" it was included in.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Who Were the Cowboys Behind 'Cowboy Songs'?
This article and audio report [9:05] covers the origins of American cowboy folk songs. Uses popups. Also includes a brief video clip of a 19th century folk song being performed.
Other
Woody Guthrie Foundation and Archives
The consummate resource for extensive information about folk singer Woody Guthrie. Includes a great biography with photos and quotes plus publications, special projects, and events.
University of South Florida
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Lit2 Go: George Bird Grinnell: Dun Horse
The text of a Pawnee folk tale, as written by George Bird Grinnell, who was an ornithologist who also had a deep interest in Native American culture. The text can be read online or downloaded in MP3 or PDF format. In addition, the story...
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian American Art Museum: Malcah Zeldis
As part of the Smithsonian Art Museum's database of artists, Malcah Zeldis is described here along with information on her contributions to art through her series of folk art paintings.
S.E. Schlosser
American Folklore: Pecos Bill and Slue Foot Sue
The tall tale of Pecos Bill and Slue-foot Sue are retold by S.E. Schlosser.
S.E. Schlosser
American Folklore: Tall Tales
This site provides brief tall tales from many different states. The site also provides what they all have in common.
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