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  • August 30, 2026 12:53 PM | Caroline Mitchell Carrico (Administrator)

    The Tennessee Folklore Society invites you to submit a proposal for its 2026 Annual Gathering to be held at the East Tennessee Historical Society in Knoxville, Tennessee. This year's gathering is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, with special programming to also take place on Friday, November 13. The society welcomes proposals for presentations on subjects related to folklore and the traditional expressive culture of Tennessee and neighboring states.

    Applicants may submit proposals for individual papers, forums, workshops, or media presentations. Applicants should submit an abstract of 300 words or less along with the name of the presenter(s), contact information, presentation title, and a list of equipment needed for the presentation. A committee will select a limited number of papers for inclusion on the program.

    All proposals should be submitted via email to (s.varajon@gmail.com) by September 30, 2026. Submissions should include TFS Presentation Proposal in the subject line. Additional details about the TFS annual meeting will be forthcoming.


  • April 15, 2026 1:49 PM | Caroline Mitchell Carrico (Administrator)

    Rev. Dr. Katelin Fields produced a podcast with her interviews from her Tennessee Folklife Institute project on Wilson County foodways. Download this file to listen! Wilson County Podcast FINAL.m4a

  • September 11, 2025 4:08 PM | Caroline Mitchell Carrico (Administrator)

    Memphis, TN — A new chapter in Memphis’ rich cultural tapestry begins with the grand opening of the Beale Street Hoodoo History and Folklife Museum, a one-of-a-kind institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the vibrant traditions of hoodoo, rootwork, and the lives of the people who carried and preserved these traditions in the African American community.

    Located in the heart of the historic Beale Street district on the third floor of historic A. Schwab, the museum invites visitors to explore the deep roots of hoodoo and its enduring influence on Memphis music, art, and community life. Through various exhibits, artifacts, and storytelling, the museum shines a light on the spiritual practices, herbal remedies, and folklore that have been passed down through generations.

    Highlights of the Museum
    • Permanent Exhibits: Discover the origins of hoodoo in the Mississippi Delta, its connections to African American history, and its role in shaping the unique sound and spirit of Beale Street.
    • Artifact Collection: View authentic herbal remedies, amulets, and photographs of legendary Memphis spiritual workers.
    • Interactive Experiences: Participate in hands-on workshops, storytelling sessions, and guided tours that bring Memphis hoodoo history to life.
    • Community Programs: Engage with local artists, musicians, and tradition bearers through lectures, performances, and cultural events.

    A Celebration of Heritage
    The Beale Street Hoodoo History and Folklife Museum is more than a repository of artifacts—it is a living tribute to the resilience, creativity, and spiritual wisdom of spiritual workers in Memphis and the Mississippi Delta. The museum’s mission is to foster understanding, respect, and appreciation for the traditions that continue to inspire and empower people today.

    Grand Opening Details
    The museum will celebrate its grand opening with a reception and free tours on October 11th, 2025. Admission is free on opening day, and all are welcome to attend.

    Location:
    Beale Street Hoodoo History and Folklife Museum
    163 Beale
    Memphis, TN 38103
    Reception Begins at Noon with free tours from 1-4 p.m.

    For more information, visitwww.hoodoomuseum.orgor contact the museum at (731) 693-1790 or emailtony@hoodoomuseum.org

    About the Beale Street Hoodoo History and Folklife Museum:
    The Beale Street Hoodoo History and Folklife Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories, practices, and cultural heritage of hoodoo and folklife in Memphis and the Mississippi Delta. Through exhibitions, education, and community engagement, the museum seeks to honor the past and inspire future generations.

  • September 04, 2025 11:53 AM | Anonymous

    The Tennessee Folklore Society's call for session proposals for the 2025 Annual Meeting, November 1, in Crossville, Tennessee, is now open! Session proposals may be for individual papers, forums, workshops, or media presentations.

    Deadline to apply is September 15, 2025. Please email session proposals to s.varajon@gmail.com with the subject line "TFS Session Proposal."


  • September 01, 2025 12:57 PM | Caroline Mitchell Carrico (Administrator)
    TFS Board Member Shawn Pitts received the Governor's Award for Folklife Heritage, and he recently did an interview with Humanities Tennessee. Read it here: The Future of Folklife with Dr. Shawn Pitts - Humanities Tennessee


205 W Court Ave, Selmer, TN
(731) 435-3288

The mission of the Tennessee Folklore Society is to document, educate, and advance the folklore and traditional culture of Tennessee.

What is folklore anyway?

The diverse customs and traditions passed down through generations

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