Folklife Sourcebook: A Directory of Folklife Resources in the United States

Federal Agencies

Beginning with the establishment of the Archive of Folk Culture at the Library of Congress in 1928, the federal government has provided long-range programmatic and financial support to the conservation and study of traditional culture in the United States. The Smithsonian Institution began its annual Festival of American Folklife in 1967 and today operates the Center for Folklife Programs and Cultural Studies. The National Endowment for the Arts established its Folk Arts Program in 1974. The American Folklife Center was established in 1976 with the passage of Public Law 94-201, the American Folklife Preservation Act. Other federal agencies including the Departments of Interior, Education, Agriculture, and The Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the National Endowment for the Humanities, have coordinated and funded important projects.

The agencies cited engage in a broad range of consultation and public programs and produce scholarly and informational publications relating to their programs and activities.

American Folklife Center
Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20540-4610
Phone: (202) 707-5510
FAX: (202) 707-2076
Email: folklife@loc.gov

National Endowment for the Arts
Folk and Traditional Arts Program
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20506
(202) 682-5400
Traditional Arts Program Network (TAPNet)

National Endowment for the Humanities
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20506
Phone: (800) NEH-1121
Email: info@neh.gov

Smithsonian Center for Folklife Programs and Cultural Heritage
750 9th Street, NW, Suite 4100
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D.C. 20560-0953
Telephone
(202) 287-3424

Indian Arts and Crafts Board
U.S. Department of Interior
1849 C. Street, N.W.
MS 2058-MIB
Washington, DC. 20240
Telephone: (202) 208-3773
Toll Free: (888) ART-FAKE
Fax: (202) 208-5196
E-mail: iacb@ios.doi.gov