The AFS has approved the creation of a folklore and public policy working group focusing on historic preservation policy. Its co-chairs are Laurie Sommers and Michael Ann Williams, and its members are Jill Breit, Tom Carter, Rachel Hopkin, Nancy Solomon, John Michael Vlach, and Steve Zeitlin.

In 2011 and 2012 this working group will undertake a number of efforts intended to return folklorists and the perspectives of our field "to the table," as current trends in historic preservation--including inclusion of cultural landscapes and vernacular structures of all kinds, a commitment to diversity, and revision of National Register Bulletin 38 (Traditional Cultural Properties)--all provide meaningful opportunities for folklorists to join the dialogue and help frame policies of the future.

Click here to download their complete proposal.