Texas Folklore Society

Texas Folklore Society The Texas Folklore Society collects, preserves, and shares the practices and customs of the people of Texas and the Southwest. Mrs. Former Secretary-Editor F. E.

The Texas Folklore Society is the second oldest folklore organization continually functioning in the United States--second only to the American Folklore Society founded in 1888. Chartered in 1909, the Society held its first meeting on the campus of the University of Texas in 1911. Bess Brown Lomax was on the program with a paper on the now-famous "Boll Weevil" song, which John Lomax had collected

in the Brazos bottom in 1909. Annual meetings have continued regularly since 1911, except for interruptions in 1918-1921 and 1944-1945 caused by the great wars and their aftereffects. The Society has stimulated the recording and study of the rich folk culture of Texas and the Southwest, has attracted both laymen and scholars, and has distributed its publications throughout America and the world. Abernethy said of the Society's purpose:
I believe that the Society's main purpose is to search for ways to preserve folklore without embalming it and to present a fairly well-educated public with the treasures of their culture's folk life. I do not believe that our purpose is to proliferate esoterica and pedantry among a small, especially educated clique. I further believe that the Texas Folklore Society's purpose is to preserve and present the Folklore of Texas. This does not mean that our purpose is to be chauvinistic or provincial, both of which are brought about by states of mind rather than geographical locations. It means as Kittredge said so many years ago, that Texas really is the folklorist's happy hunting ground, that we have all the fields we can ever plow, and that the work and the room to work is as wide as its borders and as inexhaustible as the winds that blow across the Staked Plains. And this work should be done by those who know the land and love it and understand it. And finally, I believe that the purpose of the Texas Folklore Society is not to hide the light of the lore under a bushel of academic guidelines and definitions and scholarly verbiage but to let that light so shine among men that all the world but, Lord, most especially Texans may see the richness of the land and its people and its history and its continuity. In this land and its people and its history Texans must realize the place of their belonging, a motherland to moisten with their sweat, and finally to nourish with their bones."

It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Paisano T. Lindsay Baker. His legacy, works, and memory will live on...
06/12/2026

It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Paisano T. Lindsay Baker. His legacy, works, and memory will live on. Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him.

Statement from the U.S. Route 66 Centennial

It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Dr. T Lindsay Baker of Texas, a participant in the Main Street of America Route 66 Centennial Caravan and the caravan's official Texas state representative.

T Lindsay shared our passion for preserving and celebrating the history, culture, and legacy of Route 66. His enthusiasm for the Mother Road and the communities it connects will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to T Lindsay’s family, friends, fellow Route 66 enthusiasts, and all those affected by this loss.

Out of respect for T Lindsay’s loved ones and the ongoing work of the appropriate authorities, we will not be commenting on the circumstances surrounding his passing at this time.

Today, our focus is on honoring T Lindsay’s memory, supporting those impacted by this tragedy, and respecting the privacy of his family during this difficult time.

Please join us in keeping Dr. T Lindsay Baker’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

Check out this new research on Juneteenth, published by the Alliance for Texas History...
06/11/2026

Check out this new research on Juneteenth, published by the Alliance for Texas History...

Read the article at www.atxh.org/juneteenth

Don't miss the Texas Folklife Blueberry Jam, a part of the Texas Blueberry Festival, happening Saturday in Nacogdoches. ...
06/10/2026

Don't miss the Texas Folklife Blueberry Jam, a part of the Texas Blueberry Festival, happening Saturday in Nacogdoches.

Saturday, June 13, 2026
1 to 4 PM
Mast Hall, 317 E Main St

Bring the whole family out to downtown Nacogdoches for an afternoon of music and tradition at the 36th Annual Texas Blueberry Festival

Join Texas Folklife inside historic Mast Hall for the Blueberry Jam, featuring master Cajun accordionist Jude Moreau and Texas Soul-Americana artist Kelvin Thomas. Step in from the festival for a relaxed, toe-tapping set filled with rich musical traditions and good company.

Saturday, June 13, 2026
1 to 4 PM
Mast Hall, 317 E Main St

Part of the Texas Blueberry Festival
Generously sponsored by Motorhomes of Texas

https://texasfolklife.org/events/the-36th-blueberry-festival-texas-folklife-blueberry-jam/

Mark your calendars for our 108th Annual Meeting, which will be held April 2–4, 2027, at our host institution, Tarleton ...
06/08/2026

Mark your calendars for our 108th Annual Meeting, which will be held April 2–4, 2027, at our host institution, Tarleton State University in Stephenville!

Part conference and part picking party, our Annual Meeting invites members and the general public to enjoy folklore papers, evening hootenannies, and great company!

Stay tuned for the Call for Papers, which will go out this summer.

Happening in Houston tomorrow! Don't miss Texas Folklife's 20th Annual Big Squeeze, featuring Grammy-nominated and Canne...
05/29/2026

Happening in Houston tomorrow! Don't miss Texas Folklife's 20th Annual Big Squeeze, featuring Grammy-nominated and Cannes Film Festival-winning Zydeco artist Sean Ardoin.
May 30 at Rockefeller's Houston. RSVP Here:
https://buff.ly/76W2Wwb

Our 20th Annual Big Squeeze closing performer is Grammy-nominated and Cannes Film Festival-winning Zydeco artist Sean Ardoin. This is going to be a show you do not want to miss.

May 30 at Rockefeller's Houston. RSVP Here:
https://buff.ly/76W2Wwb

As the holiday approaches, meet the woman who made strides for Juneteenth. Head to TexasCoopPower.com to read Opal Lee's...
05/28/2026

As the holiday approaches, meet the woman who made strides for Juneteenth. Head to TexasCoopPower.com to read Opal Lee's story.

Meet the woman who made strides for Juneteenth.

Head to TexasCoopPower.com to read Opal Lee's story and more.

The National Storytelling Network is bringing its big event to Texas next month! Don't miss Paisano Decee  Cornish  Prof...
05/26/2026

The National Storytelling Network is bringing its big event to Texas next month! Don't miss Paisano Decee Cornish Professional Storytelling at the Regional Concert on Thursday, July 24!

Myths. History. Tall tales. Audience participation, drumming, and music. 🥁
Dee Cee Cornish — the Urban Griot — doesn't just tell stories. He pulls you inside them.
Catch him live at the Regional Concert, Thursday, July 24.
NSN 2026 | Prairie Voices: Honoring Heritage, Inspiring Tomorrow
📅 July 23–26 | West Texas A&M University | Canyon, TX
Register: storynet.org/conference-registration

Address

1333 W. Washington Street, O. A. Grant Building, Suite 210
Stephenville, TX
76401

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12544595445

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