A Celebration of American Family Folklore

Tales and Traditions from the Smithsonian Collection

For four consecutive summers, a steady stream of visitors poured into the Family Folklore Tent at the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., carrying photo albums, quilts, scrapbooks, memorabilia, and a dazzling array of family stories in their memories. And, for the first time, one of America's most distinguished museums was there to record their tales. This book is a treasure. Originally published by Pantheon Books in 1982, it includes a section on "How To Collect Your Own Family Folklore" and offers some of the most illuminating photographs and liveliest stories collected by the Smithsonian. A wonderful tribute to American family life and splendid proof of the vitality of American family lore. Recipient of the Anne Izard Storytellers' Choice Award.

• Collected by Steven Zeitling, Amy Kotkin and Holly Baker
• Paperback