Smithsonian Folklife Festival Seeks Volunteers

The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage needs capable and enthusiastic volunteers before, during and after its annual Folklife Festival, which will be held on the National Mall Wednesday, June 25 through Sunday, June 29 and Wednesday, July 2 through Sunday, July 6.

Volunteers for “NASA: 50 Years and Beyond” will help the men and women of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration stir the public’s imagination through live presentations, hands-on activities and demonstrations as the agency celebrates its first 50 years. Volunteers supporting the “Texas: A Celebration of Music, Food and Wine” program will work with the program participants to present the rich music, food and wine traditions of the Lone Star State. Volunteers for the “Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon” program will help the Festival’s 120 Bhutanese participants share the living traditions that define and sustain their culture. Volunteers also are needed at the Marketplace (the Festival’s retail venue) and in the information kiosks.

Certified American Sign Language interpreters and volunteers who speak Dzongkha are especially needed.

More information and an application are available at www.folklife.si.edu/opportunities/volunteer.html or by contacting volunteer coordinator Amy Garrett at garrettamy@si.edu or (202) 633-6484.

# # #

SI-221-2008