Cultural Stewardship Conversation Guide

When we identify and protect our important ways of life and cherished places that make up our cultural ecosystem, we strengthen vital relationships to each other and the wider world.
Class Subjects

Themes

Research Topics

Supplies
Media to screen documentaries and read articles, worksheets
Downloads

 

Acknowledgements

This program was funded in part by Humanities New York with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or other funders listed here. Additional funding for this project comes from Corning Incorporated Foundation, and Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. We are grateful to our Corning/Elmira local colleagues Amy Ruza, Mary Mix, and T.C. Owens. We want to acknowledge the support of Ellen McHale and New York Folklore, The Rockwell Museum, and The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes. | Photo by Lee Speary

Culture creates and strengthens communities. Understanding the complexity and power of culture gives communities agency. The concept of Cultural Stewardship teaches us to understand our personal cultural identity as well as that of our families, schools, neighborhoods, and communities. Use the self-documentation work created by cultural stewards as inspiration to begin exploring your own community’s important traditions and identity. (Find the full guide linked in the sidebar.)

Sue Knox of Elmira, NY shares during a library event using the Guide.