In partnership with the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Tennessee State Library and Archives will host a free event about “folklife” Oct. 14. Folklife is a multifaceted tradition which values oral stories, songs, art and many other cultural aspects.

The Library and Archives' abundant resources assert Tennessee as a premier resource for national folk studies. This upcoming event will highlight a large image collection consisting of approximately 22,000 photographs, slides, negatives and digital files. Three hundred images are being released on the Tennessee Virtual Archive (TeVA) for this event with the rest slated for future publication. Free children’s craft activities will also be available. 

Former Tennessee Arts Commission Folklife Director Dr. Robert Cogswell will speak about his work at the upcoming event. Thomas Maupin, winner of the National Education Association’s National Heritage Fellowship award and renowned old-time buckdancer, will be performing. In addition, Roger R. Smith of Culleoka, Tennessee, will be on hand to talk about his peach pit carving craft. Smith’s work has been on display at the Tennessee State Museum as well as the White House. 

The event will be 10 a.m. until noon CDT Oct. 14 in the Library and Archives auditorium. The Library and Archives is located at 403 Seventh Ave. North, directly west of the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville. Free parking is available around the Library and Archives building. Although the workshop is free and open to the public, registration is required due to seating limitations in the auditorium. To reserve seats, please visit folklifetsla.eventbrite.com.