Montana Folklife Survey

Montana Folklife Survey. This major cultural documentation initiative was conducted from 1979 to 1981 as a cooperative project between the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress and the Montana Historical Society. Directed by folklorists Michael Korn and Julie A. Avery, it aimed to systematically identify, record, and archive the diverse traditional arts and cultural expressions across the state. The project created an extensive primary record of Montana's living cultural heritage during a period of significant social and economic change.

Background and initiation

The project emerged during a period of increased national focus on preserving regional and ethnic cultures, fueled in part by the American Folklife Preservation Act of 1976. The American Folklife Center, established by that act, sought partnerships with state institutions to document local traditions. In Montana, concerns about the rapid transformation of rural life, the decline of extractive industries like mining and logging, and the vitality of Native American and immigrant communities provided strong impetus. Key support came from the Montana Committee for the Humanities (now Humanities Montana) and the National Endowment for the Humanities, which funded the fieldwork. The survey was formally launched in 1979 with the goal of creating a comprehensive public archive for future research and education.

Fieldwork and methodology

Fieldworkers employed standard ethnographic methods, including open-ended interviews, participant observation, and audio recording, often using equipment from the Library of Congress. Teams traveled extensively across the state's varied geographic regions, from the agricultural plains of Eastern Montana to the mountainous communities near Glacier National Park and the Beartooth Mountains. Researchers focused on finding tradition-bearers within specific cultural groups, including members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Northern Cheyenne, Crow, and Assiniboine nations, as well as descendants of Scandinavian, Basque, and Hutterite settlers. Documentation sessions frequently occurred in homes, workshops, ranches, and at community events like the Crow Fair or local festivals.

Key findings and cultural documentation

The survey captured a vast array of traditional knowledge and artistic practices. Significant documentation included tribal songs and oral histories from elders, intricate beadwork and quillwork techniques, and the crafting of traditional regalia. It recorded the work of cowboy poets, saddlemaking, and skills associated with sheepherding and cattle ranching in communities like those near Miles City. The project documented the distinctive communal traditions of Hutterite colonies, the accordion music and dance of Basque Americans, and the woodworking and knitting customs of Nordic immigrants. It also chronicled occupational folklore from miners, loggers, and railroad workers, capturing stories, jokes, and work techniques that defined these industries.

Collections and archival holdings

The physical and digital collections from the project are housed primarily at two institutions. The American Folklife Center archives at the Library of Congress hold the original field recordings, including over 300 hours of audio tape, thousands of photographic negatives and slides, and corresponding field notes. The Montana Historical Society in Helena maintains a parallel and complementary collection, including manuscript materials, research reports, and exhibit documentation. Selected materials have been made accessible through publications like the guide *"The Montana Folklife Survey: A Guide to the Collections"* and through curated presentations. These archives serve as a critical resource for scholars studying Plains Indian cultures, Western history, and immigration history.

Impact and legacy

The project significantly raised the profile of folklife and public folklore within Montana, leading to the creation of the Montana Arts Council's Folk Arts Program. It provided foundational research for numerous subsequent projects, including festivals like the Montana Traditional Arts Rendezvous and exhibits at the Museum of the Rockies and the Western Folklife Center. The methodology and archival model influenced later surveys in other states conducted under the auspices of the American Folklife Center. Furthermore, the collected narratives and artistic records have been used in educational curricula, documentary films, and community heritage projects, ensuring that the living traditions documented in the late 20th century continue to inform and inspire future generations.

Category:Ethnographic studies Category:History of Montana Category:American Folklife Center projects Category:1979 in Montana