Folklore Village creates opportunities for individuals and communities to celebrate, experience and support ethnic and traditional folklife.

Folklore Village offers an ongoing program of cultural, educational and participatory folklife activities in rural Southwest Wisconsin, serving regional communities and the Upper Midwest.

Guiding Principles and Core Values

Cultural Understanding

Folklore Village respects the unique cultural heritage of all peoples. It seeks to foster an understanding of one’s own cultural traditions, while nurturing a respect for the values and traditions of others. Folklore Village believes that each individual has folklife traditions no matter their background. Traditions are an important part of who we are and what makes us human.

Intergenerational

Folklore Village believes that intergenerational activities perpetuate a shared sense of traditions, values and community. People of all ages need places and opportunities for joy, camaraderie, and celebration.

Tradition Bearers

Folklore Village encourages the appreciation and continued vitality of folklife through the recognition and active involvement of cultural tradition bearers.

Participation

Folklore Village believes that participation fosters learning, interaction, sharing, and fellowship. Participation nurtures an environment that is welcoming and inclusive.

Land Stewardship

A Vision for Land and Place at Folklore Village Read Eric Seaberg’s eloquently stated vision for the lands at Folklore Village here.

Land Acknowledgement

Folklore Village humbly acknowledges the Ho-Chunk people, the previous caretakers of the land now cherished by the Folklore Village community.