Home to a wealth of folk traditions, South Carolina is culturally and geographically diverse. From the Appalachian Mountains to the Sea Islands and from rural crossroads to urban centers, the state boasts rich sources of traditional culture and folklore. Rooted in family and community activities, folklife involves expressive forms of many kinds that are communicated verbally and by observation or imitation. Folk artists can learn through apprenticeships, but most often are taught informally by family members or close friends. This sharing of information can occur in many different group settings - familial, occupational, religious, social, and educational. Folklife is dynamic by nature, a part of a community's history that continues to develop every day, with every generation.
Digital Traditions was developed to provide access to the Folklife Resource Center (FRC) at McKissick Museum. For thirty years, deeply rooted traditions like quilting, pottery, basketry, communal foodways, and folk music have been documented through audio, video, and photography. For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.
Audio
Buffalo. PRODUCED BY Hairy Toe Productions. 2005. Front cover artwork by Drew Deane. Recorded and mixed by John Fowler. Charles Summer - Fiddle & Vocal, Briggs Hamilton - Guitar, Nancy Hamilton - Bass...
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A song from "Bill Wells & the Blue Ridge Mountain Grass".
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J.R. Wilkie, McCormick (McCormick County) realtor who was a musician prior to WWII. Interview conducted by Anne Kimzey.
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John Price talks about coordinating a fish fry for 125 people during a Labor Day weekend.
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Traditional dance tune, recorded at the 1998 Fall Folklife Festival at McKissick Museum.
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A song from "South Carolina's Shared Traditions - 15 Years" : Fishers Hornpipe
