Jul

Today in Smithsonian History: July 1, 1967

Cajun musicians stage an impromptu concert at the first Festival of American Folklife. (Photographer unknown, as featured in the Torch, July 1967)

July 1, 1967 The first Festival of American Folklife opens on the National Mall. It will run through July 4. The festivals are intended to present American and foreign cultural traditions, craftsmen, musicians and dancers. The first festival featured American basket makers, carvers, doll makers, needleworkers, potters, blacksmith, silversmith, spinners and weavers. Performers included American fife and drum groups; brass bands; string bands; gospel; shouts; jubilees; spirituals; Puerto Rican music; New Orleans jazz; Cajun music; ballads; Mesquakie Indian music; blues; country music; polka music; cowboy songs; clogging; Scottish, Russian, Irish dancers; Chinese New Year’s Pantomime; King Island Eskimo dancers; dance of Galicia.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives