our mission
The Philadelphia Folksong Society is a not for profit educational organization dedicated to the encouragement, dissemination, enjoyment of folk music and related expressions of folklore, the sponsoring of research, education, therapeutic programs and related publications.
about us
The Philadelphia Folksong Society, founded in 1957, has sponsored programs of entertainment and education throughout our local area and North America. These programs present a lyrical history of society and provide enjoyment to thousands of people of all ages. From the traditional ballads of the 15th century to the contemporary sounds of today's singer/songwriters, the Philadelphia Folksong Society has promoted and greatly contributed to the preservation of a vast variety of musical styles and historical perspective.
Established by a small group of folk fans, the Society has grown into one of the largest, most successful organizations of its kind, developing and marketing quality programs. Revenues from our annual Philadelphia Folk Festival have enabled the Society to give away more than a million dollars to present, sponsor and promote a wide variety of activities, educational programs and entertainment in the community. The Philadelphia Folksong Society also lends its expertise, and gives support, to other non-profit organizations. As a team of volunteers, we have built one of the premiere events and organizations for all types of folk music and culture.
While we are best known for our largest event, The Philadelphia Folk Festival, some of our lesser known programs are the most significant to the people they serve, bringing music to schools, senior centers, hospitals, concert halls, libraries and other locations. Servicing thousands each year, these programs introduce children and adults to a variety of instruments and styles, and encourage exploration of ethnic diversity and historical trends in musical expression.
Unique among cultural organizations, The Philadelphia Folksong Society supports its efforts with the devotion, ingenuity and sweat of its volunteers. The volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Our hard work has enabled the Philadelphia Folksong Society to provide for its economic security and to fund the charitable programs.
The Philadelphia Folksong Society and Festival are the proud winners of
1977 PA Festivals Association Award
1989 Philadelphia Museum Foundation's Best of Philadelphia Music Award
1991 Pennsylvania Resources Council in Achievement and Special Events Recycling
1997 Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce's Excellence in Arts Management Award
1997 Philadelphia Music Alliance Institutional Award
