CMA Folk School

Folk Schools During the Great Depression

During the Great Depression, folk schools in the U.S. played a key role in helping struggling communities. They provided practical skills training, leadership education, and a sense of empowerment, particularly in rural and impoverished areas. One of the most well-known was the Highlander Folk School in Tennessee, which later became a hub for civil rights activism. These schools taught farming techniques, cooperative economics, and social justice organizing, helping communities survive economic hardships and build resilience.

Benefits for Rural Communities Today

• Skill Building – Teaches practical trades (e.g., woodworking, farming, blacksmithing).

• Community Growth – Strengthens local connections and preserves traditions.

• Economic Boost – Supports local artisans and small businesses.

• Lifelong Learning – Provides education without barriers like age or formal degrees.

Folk schools remain a powerful tool for revitalizing rural areas, promoting self-sufficiency, creativity, and economic resilience.

A Brief History of Folk Schools