Frank and Jane Gabor WV Folklife Center

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center on the campus of Fairmont State University is dedicated to the identification, preservation, and perpetuation of our region's rich cultural heritage, through academic studies, educational programs, festivals and performances, and publications. As staff carries out the mission created by Foundation Director Dr. Judy Byers, we have raised the profile of the Folklife Center by increasing community engagement, earning the Institution of the Year award at the WV Museum Association conference, and being awarded grants from WV Department of Arts, Culture, and History, the Library of Congress, and more.

The Folklife Center provides students, community members, and faculty/staff with opportunities to research, interact with folk artists, and see performances and exhibitions. Additionally, programs like the Museum Studies and Folklore minors and Capstone projects at the Folklife Center prepare students for meaningful work in museums, archives, libraries, tourism, education, and event planning. Students are given the opportunity to help curate exhibitions, work behind-the-scenes at square dances and storytelling concerts, and process one-of-a-kind archive materials, gaining skills they cannot at other undergraduate institutions in the state. Students in Museum Studies and Folklore have gone on to become archivists, librarians, educators, and public historians, and to obtain advanced degrees.

We are so thankful for our donors, and we could not sustain and carry out our mission without you. As you consider giving the Folklife Center this year, please know that your donations have contributed to meaningful upgrades and opportunities over the years. These include a stage, archival equipment, paying for student workers, and paying local traditional artists for their services.