The MFC documents, interprets, and presents traditional culture and living lore of Maine and the region. An official account of the University of Maine.
The Maine Folklife Center is committed to document, interpret, preserve and present the traditional culture and living lore of Maine and the Maritime Provinces.
The mission of the Maine Folklife Center at the University of Maine is to enhance understanding of the folklife, folklore, and history of Maine and Atlantic Canada, to encourage appreciation of the diverse cultures and heritage of the region, and thereby to strengthen and enrich our communities.
To fulfill our mission we collect—primarily through the use of recorded interviews—preserve, study, and disseminate information about the region’s history and traditional cultures. The Northeast Archives of Folklore and Oral History (NAFOH) is the archival and preservation section of the Maine Folklife Center and all materials acquired by the Maine Folklife Center are housed in and managed by NAFOH. The Maine Folklife Center is the only organization in the state devoted to the documentation and study of the folklore and oral history of Maine and the Atlantic Provinces.
The collection includes materials relating to:
Maine and Maritimes folk music
Lumbering
Fishing and lobstering
Agriculture
Pulp and paper industry
Folk arts and folk artists
Family and community celebrations.
Veterans experiences
The folklore and twentieth century history of Maine.
Teaching mission:
The Maine Folklife Center offers courses in folklore and oral history, Native American folklore, folklore of Maine and regional folklore. We also provide a summer institute in folklore and oral history methods for Maine teachers and citizens.
Publishing mission:
The Maine Folklife Center publishes an annual monograph series, Northeast Folklore, occasional publications, and the Maine Folklife Newsletter.
Research mission:
The Maine Folklife Center staff conducts research that documents Maine traditional culture, and provides research opportunities for researchers and the public.
Community engagement mission:
The Maine Folklife Center continues to provide expertise to communities that aid communities for promotional and economic development activities.
