Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Page staff. Send your letters to [email protected]
During my time as an undergraduate at the University of Maine, I was involved with the Maine Folklife Center (MFC) as both a volunteer, for the Maine Song and Story Sampler and at the folklife tent at the American Folk Festival, and a student worker, for the National Folklore Archives Initiative. My experience with the MFC was the most meaningful part of my time at UMaine and a key reason why I am currently enrolled in what is arguably the top folklore graduate program in the country at Indiana University.
Although there had once been at least four positions attached to the center, allowing it to carry out vibrant public programming on the heritage and traditional culture of our region, by the time I was a student, there were two, and after my graduation, there was only one. Earlier this month, I received a letter from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences informing me that they had closed the center.
I would like to hold a “celebration of life” for this important institution. I invite attendees to share their memories of it or its impact on them and any songs, stories, poems, etc. they feel are relevant. Those interested in attending can contact me at [email protected] or 207-798-1657. The event will probably be held on Zoom.
Hilary Warner-Evans
Bloomington, Indiana
