Now in its 35th year, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an effort to bring exhibits to life, according to Development Director Josh Silver, who explained that the festival was established in 1967 by Smithsonian Secretary S. Dillon Ripley. "It's something interactive," he said. "We usually do a country, state and occupation." In addition to focusing on the skill and artistry of master craftspeople in the building arts, this year's programs also spotlighted the vitality and diversity of New York City and the cultural heritage of Bermuda. The festival, which is held on the National Mall between Seventh and Fourteenth Streets, took place from Wednesday, June 27 through Sunday, July 1 and Wednesday, July 4 through Sunday, July 8.
And judging by the crowds of people that filled the grounds, the Folklife Festival was another success. Adults and children flocked to the many displays that were available to absorb as much knowledge as they could about each focus. With the Washington Monument and the Capitol building standing as bookends on either end of the National Mall, the setting could not be more appropriate for such an historical and learning experience.