2025 Annual Meeting

For much of the twentieth century, the relation of folklore to reality was of concern to folklorists. Functionalists discussed folklore as a mirror, distortion, or pure fantasy in relation to reality, while social constructivists framed folklore as a tool through which reality is constructed, contested, manipulated and resisted. In today’s world of deep fakes, AI, digital worlds, and fake news, what is “fake” and what is “real” are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish. The conference welcomes submissions addressing any aspect of folklore in relation to reality, as well as papers on any other folklore-related topic.

As always, the theme is a suggestion for those considering presentation, not a requirement. We welcome proposals for individual presentations and organized panels on any topic related to folklore.

The Archer Taylor Lecture will be given by Paul Jordan-Smith, Managing Editor of Western States Folklore Society. The title of Dr. Jordan-Smith’s talk is “Hobgoblin nor Foul Fiend: Tracking an Earworm.”

In person registration will begin Thursday, April 4, 2025 and continue throughout the conference, as will online registration. Papers will be presented live and online via Zoom on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. All those who have registered (including paying the registration fee) by the time the sessions begin will be sent invitations with links. Only those who have registered will be admitted to sessions.To register, visit our Registration Page.

As in the past, nonmembers who join the Society by the time of registration are eligible for membership benefits, including reduced registration fees and a subscription to Western Folklore. If registering by regular mail, please make checks out to the Western States Folklore Society and address them to: