The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center Impact

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center

Housed in an award-winning repurposed historic barn building on the Fairmont State University campus, the Frank & Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center is home to the Ruth Ann Musick folklore archives, the Phyllis W. Moore West Virginia Authors archives, and the Patty Looman collection. These collections and additional archival materials can be made available for scholars and student researchers. The Center is part of the College of Liberal Arts and houses the University’s undergraduate programs in folklore and museum studies. The Center serves the University and the broader community through scholarship, publications, workshops, exhibitions, and outreach events.

Upcoming Events

All events are free and open to the public

  • May 16 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  - Wartz 'n All Dulcimer Jam
    • (Event is 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. with a 12 - 1 p.m. lunch break)
  • June 15-18 Youth Storytelling Camp (Youth Storytelling Camp Info & Registration)
  • August 23 Info coming soon about the Folklife Center Awards and Fairmont Folk Festival!
  • August 29 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Wartz 'n All Dulcimer Jam
    • (Event is 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. with a 12 - 1 p.m. lunch break)
  • October 3 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Vegetable Man Day

Monthly Events

  • Craft Club Gathering 12:30 - 2 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month starting in February 2026
  • Traditional Acoustic Jam 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. the last Friday of each month

Mission Statement

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center on the campus of Fairmont State University is dedicated to the identification, preservation, and perpetuation of our region's rich cultural heritage, through academic studies, educational programs, festivals and performances, and publications.

The Folklife Center is open Monday - Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for special events on weekends. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for events and updates!