Today begins a new series of video documentaries called From the Archives, highlighting years of work documenting the folklife and traditions of our region. This first episode, describing balsam beds, cures, Christmas trees and souvenir pillows, is based on my grant-funded research from 1986 to 1994 that led to the creation of the Folklife Center. These photographs, interviews, notes, writings, research and program files continued to be archived at the Folklife Center. For mo

With live music on pause because of the Coronavirus, we at the Folklife Center have been mining our archive of concert footage to share some standout musical moments with you. Today, enjoy Les Poules à Colin's electrifying take on traditional Québec music. The band played our Live! Folklife Concert series back in May of 2017. Taking their name from a popular traditional song, Les Poules à Colin are a dynamic and creative group that turn heads wherever they go. Exposed to Québ

Rose B. (Geaudreau/Goodreau) Germain (1915-2000) told me this story about growing up on the Champlain Canal in eastern New York State as part of a Folk Arts Project in 1989. I first interviewed residents about their childhood experiences in the 1920s, and then hosted a public program in February 1990 where they could share memories and mementoes with neighbors. Rose's story then appeared in print for a small booklet published by Brookside: Saratoga County History Center calle

The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library created a new logo for its 25th anniversary in 2018, incorporating the log mark of Henry Crandall, the original benefactor of the library that bears his name. We’d like to honor Henry Crandall on his 200th birthday, by sharing some history, along with the few artifacts that we keep as the caretaker of this great man’s legacy. Born on February 13, 1821, Henry Crandall was a self-made man, coming from very humble beginnings. He sav

In researching the suffrage movement using local newspapers to uncover the names of women involved in the cause, I came across a small group of women on the other side. Yes, Glens Falls had a contingent of "Antis", or anti-suffragists who I am just beginning to identify. The letter to the editor transcribed below was probably written, at least in part, by Jeannette Roosa Davis (Mrs. Loyal L.), who was president of the Glens Falls branch of the New York State Association Oppos