About Us

Research

SFFC conducts field research projects to document the cultural practices, art forms, and traditional knowledge kept alive within the many communities that call Miami home. Our team collaborates with artists and tradition bearers (the leaders and sustainers of culture within a community) to document their folk traditions. These research materials help to preserve traditional knowledge and stories, honor the legacy of local tradition bearers, and educate the public on the rich folk traditions of our region.

Collect

Through fieldwork projects, SFFC documents traditional culture through audio recordings, photographs, video recordings, and fieldnotes. These materials are preserved in Museum of Miami’s Archives and Research Center, where the public can access them. SFFC also collects three-dimensional folklife objects (such as costumes, musical instruments, and handmade crafts) which are added to Museum of Miami’s collection of museum artifacts. A selection of these artifacts are on display in our Folklife Gallery.

Present

SFFC educates the public about the region’s diverse peoples, cultures and traditions through public presentations such as exhibitions, educational programs, festivals, concerts, publications, web content, and much more. The Museum of Miami’s Folklife Gallery features artifacts from the museum’s collection and serves as a space for performances, demonstrations, and other cultural programs. These spaces and experiences provide opportunities for locals to express themselves, celebrate their heritage, and learn about their neighbors.

Support

Folk traditions are central to our sense of belonging, identity, and community well-being. SFFC encourages the continuity of the region’s folk culture by providing support services to local traditional artists and cultural organizations. For more information about these services, please contact us at info@museumofmiami.org.