UMaine, Library of Congress to collaborate on folklife collection project

The University of Maine and the Library of Congress have entered into an agreement that will allow for the preservation of an invaluable collection held at UMaine’s Folklife Center.  The collection, known as the Northeast Archives of Folklore and History, was developed over the course of 50 years by legendary UMaine professor and folklorist Edward “Sandy” Ives (1925-2009).  It documents the history and traditions of Maine, other New England states and the Canadian Maritimes.

This collaboration will lead to preservation according to the highest possible standards, while dramatically expanding access to the audio files, video files, photographs and other materials it includes.

UMaine President Paul Ferguson will announce the details of the agreement at a news event on Wednesday Nov. 16 at 9:30 a.m. in UMaine’s Buchanan Alumni House.  David Taylor, head of research and programs at the Library of Congress, will discuss that institution’s role in preserving the collection and making it more accessible to scholars and others with an interest in this region’s history.  Folklife Center Director Pauleena MacDougall will share her perspectives as the leading expert on the collection and its impact.

Taylor, who is a Fairfield native, studied anthropology at UMaine working closely with Ives.  He is a member of UMaine’s Class of 1974.

Nov. 10, 2011
Contact: Joe Carr (207) 581-3571