Open to teachers from around the nation, the 7th annual institute is organized as a field school, with intensive research in primary documents followed by oral interviews focusing on the logging culture in northwest Montana. Teachers create Web pages featuring interviews and digital photographs of residents, placed in the historical context of the community. The 8th annual event allows teachers behind the scenes of the festival, this year featuring New York City, Bermuda, and the building arts. Teachers from Bermuda and New York City will join local teachers. Middle and high school teachers from throughout New England work with leading regional folklorists, community heritage educators from around the nation, and technology educators.
Participants collaborate on developing lessons and building a regional network.
After the institute, fellows refine their teaching materials and participate in online discussions. Participants experience cultural processes through hands-on activities with a variety of artists, including NEA Heritage Fellows. K-12 teachers develop lesson plans and strategies to present folk artists in the classroom. All summer the Center presents week-long workshops devoted to various forms of traditional music, dance, and crafts, from Cajun to Irish, blues to bluegrass. Teachers' families can enjoy other events during this week.