Our History
The Philadelphia Folksong Society was founded in 1957 by a small group of folk artists and enthusiasts. The organization offers programs of presentation, participation, and education throughout Greater Philadelphia and the nation. These programs present a cultural history of society and provide enjoyment to thousands of people of all ages. The Philadelphia Folksong Society contributes to the preservation of a vast variety of musical styles and historical perspectives. PFS has acquired international recognition and local acclaim through popular programs such as The Philadelphia Folk Festival, Fall Fling, Spring Thing, Cabin Fever Festival and the Heartwood Festival. Seasonal programming of workshops, community service programs, concerts, PFS Presents…, Sings, and the Odyssey of American Music programs serve a diverse range of participants-members in the community, volunteers, artists, students, partner organizations, and PFS members. PFS programs range in scope from a small group of friends singing together, to tens of thousands of patrons gathered for concert presentations. A network of thousands of dedicated volunteers has allowed PFS to execute these programs in an unprecedented way since the organization’s inception over 50 years ago.
