Foxfire Folklife Training and Research Program

FAIN: ES-10061-70

Foxfire Center (Rabun Gap, GA 30568)
Eliot Wigginton (Project Director: March 1970 to present)

Foxfire magazine produced by high school students in mountains of Georgia. Aim is to preserve vanishing arts necessary for self-sufficiency (slaughtering, curing meats; hunting, tracking techniques; knowledge of edible plants; ect.), and to interest students in their heritage as they help to preserve that heritage. ABSTRACT: Foxfire magazine produced by high school students in mountains of Georgia. Aim is to preserve vanishing arts necessary for self-sufficiency--slaughtering, curing meats; hunting, tracking techniques; knowledge of edible plants; construction of home furnishings (chairs, mattresses, quilts, tables, pottery); stonework; home remedies and faith healing. Project interests high school students in their heritage, as they help preserve that heritage. Old-timers regain sense of belong, being needed. Instruction preserved on tape and photographs (copies in Smithsonian, State University of NY, University of Geogia). Arts otherwise lost are being saved for future generations. Designed originally as project to interest students in English, gives them a feeling of accomplishment to produce national magazine. Other Appalachian schools joing in project to collect material. Magazine has attracted contribution throughout U.S. and abroad. Funds for salaries, recording supplies, film, travel, general costs of collecting materials.