Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology News

Jan 27th, 2020

The Kentucky Folklife Program will be hosting a state-wide meeting for the newly established Kentucky Folklife Network. It will take place in Bowling Green, KY on May 28th and 29th.

Nov 20th, 2019

In celebration of Kentucky Native American Heritage Month, archaeologist Gwynn Henderson of WKU’s Kentucky Archaeological Survey will present "A History of Native Americans in Kentucky" at the McCracken County Public Library in Paducah on Nov 21, 2019.

Nov 11th, 2019

Folk Studies graduate student Camille Acosta prepared a Dia de los Muertos altar in her Speech and Debate office to celebrate her Mexican heritage.

Nov 8th, 2019

On September 20-21, 2019, anthropology students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the WKU Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology volunteered at the 31st annual Living Archaeology Weekend, Kentucky’s oldest and largest public archaeology event.

Nov 5th, 2019

Zahra AbedinezhadMehrabadi was awarded with the Elaine J. Lawless Graduate Student Travel Award by the American Folklore Society, for her research paper on vernacular shrines in Iran, presented in Baltimore, MD, at the annual meeting of the Society.

Oct 24th, 2019

The Kentucky Folklife Program, Kentucky Museum and The Basket Maker’s Catalog recently presented, “A Conversation with Jackie Abrams: An Artist’s Weaving Life,” featuring highly-respected fiber artist Jackie Abrams.

Oct 21st, 2019

On Thursday, October 17th, Dr. Michael Ann Williams, University Distinguished Professor of Folk Studies, Emeritus, was awarded the Kenneth Goldstein Award for Lifetime Academic Leadership at the 2019 American Folklore Society Annual Meeting in Baltimore.

Oct 8th, 2019

On Saturday, October 5th, the Kentucky Folklife Program and WKU Folk Studies graduate students participated in “Hammer-In,” an event organized and facilitated by Western Kentucky University’s Kentucky Museum.

Sep 23rd, 2019

On Saturday, September 21, the Kentucky Folklife Program organized and facilitated "Chattin' on the Porch," a narrative stage event held during the annual Horse Cave Heritage Festival, with help from WKU Folk Studies graduate students and faculty.

Sep 17th, 2019

The Kentucky Folklife Program, housed in the Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology, has received funding from the NEA to support a traveling exhibit and associated programming centered on the musical heritage and culture of Southcentral Kentucky.