Philadelphia Folksong SocietyPhiladelphia Folksong SocietyPhiladelphia Folksong SocietyPhiladelphia Folksong Society
  • Our
    Organization
    • PFS History, Mission & Vision
    • PFS Team
    • Our Organization
    • PFS Online Store
    • PFS Coloring Pages
    • Financial Statements
    • Employment Opportunities
    • About our Home
    • Venue Rentals
    • Contact PFS
  • Philadelphia
    Folk School
    • Early Childhood Music Education
    • Youth Instrument Classes
    • Adult Instrument Classes
    • Voice Classes
    • Folk Dance
    • Professional Development Workshops
  • Concerts &
    Events
    • 2/19 – Talisk
    • 1/14 – Wallis Bird
    • Open Mic at PFS
  • Odyssey of
    American Music
    • Odyssey Program Request
  • Philadelphia
    Music Co-op
    • Co-op Artists
    • Book Co-op Artists
    • Co-op Guidelines
    • Learn More / Apply
  • Philadelphia
    Folk Festival
    • FAQs
    • 61st Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival Performer Application
    • 60th Annual Lineup
    • 60th Annual Schedule
    • Volunteer Code of Conduct
    • Philadelphia Folk Festival Book
    • Contact Philadelphia Folk Festival
  • Music
    Getaways
    • Spring Thing
    • Fall Fling
  • Join
    PFS
    • Become A Member!
    • PFS Member Music Club
    • Member
      Area

Our History

The Philadelphia Folksong Society was founded in 1957 by a small group of folk artists and enthusiasts. The organization offers programs of presentation, participation, and education throughout Greater Philadelphia and the nation. These programs present a cultural history of society and provide enjoyment to thousands of people of all ages. The Philadelphia Folksong Society contributes to the preservation of a vast variety of musical styles and historical perspectives. PFS has garnered international recognition and local acclaim through popular programs such as The Philadelphia Folk Festival, Fall Fling, and Spring Thing. Seasonal programming of workshops, community service programs, concerts, PFS Presents, Sings, and the Odyssey of American Music education program serve a diverse range of participants-members in the community, volunteers, artists, students, partner organizations, and PFS members. PFS programs range in scope from a small group of friends singing together, to tens of thousands of patrons gathered for concert presentations. A network of thousands of dedicated volunteers has allowed PFS to execute these programs in an unprecedented way since the organization’s inception over 60 years ago.

The Original Banjo and Sketch for our Smiley Banjo Logo
  • Mission
  • Vision
  • Awards

The Philadelphia Folksong Society (PFS) is dedicated to preserving the past, promoting the present, and securing the future of folk music and related forms of expression through education, presentation, and participation.

Preserving the Past – PFS will preserve artistic expression by offering programs that encourage participation in traditional folk music and educate the public of its history.

Promoting the Present – PFS will be recognized among the vanguard of emerging trendsetters and innovators within folk music. Diverse programs will encourage artistic development and experimentation.

Securing the Future – PFS will acquire a home to ensure the continuation and vitality of roots music and related forms of expression. This facility will be the physical embodiment of the PFS mission, housing rehearsals and classes for students; workspace for staff and volunteers; and concerts, workshops, and archival exhibitions for the public.

PA Festivals Association Award
Philadelphia Museum Foundation’s Best of Philadelphia Music Award
Pennsylvania Resources Council in Achievement and Special Events Recycling
Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Arts Management Award
Philadelphia Music Alliance Institutional Award

The PFS Team starts with our Volunteers

They are the Heart & Soul of the Philadelphia Folksong Society

Volunteer for PFS
Volunteer for Fest

PFS Staff

PFS Staff

PFS Board of Directors

Connect with the PFS Board via e-mail: contact-bod@pfs.org

Board of Directors

Miles Thompson

President
Miles Thompson has worked in the nonprofit arena for 35 years, with a career that includes performing arts, education, and human services. In 2019, he received his Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leade...

Dr. Jim Klingler

Treasurer, Board of Directors
Dr. Klingler is a 1968 graduate of Bucknell University where he majored in Economics. After a stint as an officer in the U.S. Navy he enrolled in the graduate program at Temple University and receive...

George Ehrgott

Director
George Ehrgott has been a member of the Folk Song Society and camping at the Folk Festival ever since the 25th Fest. A Fest Volunteer since 1999 with the Merchandise Committee, he leads the Builders T...

Wendy Fuhr

Director
Wendy Fuhr has been involved in the Philadelphia Folksong Society since early childhood. Her many roles have included paying camper at the PFF, member of the Board of Directors, member of the Schol...

Kimberly Sinclair

Director
Kimberly Sinclair is an award-winning publicist and music industry professional based in Nova Scotia, Canada and Louisville, KY. Since founding Spincount in 2008, her firm has been awarded Company OTY...

Financial Statements

FYE 2020 – Coming Soon!
FYE Mar 2019
FYE 2017
FYE 2015
FYE 2013
FYE Dec 2019
FYE 2018
FYE 2016
FYE 2014
FYE 2012

Philadelphia Folksong Society | 6156 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19128   (215) 247-1300    © 2017 All Rights Reserved          
  • Our
    Organization
    • PFS History, Mission & Vision
    • PFS Team
    • Our Organization
    • PFS Online Store
    • PFS Coloring Pages
    • Financial Statements
    • Employment Opportunities
    • About our Home
    • Venue Rentals
    • Contact PFS
  • Philadelphia
    Folk School
    • Early Childhood Music Education
    • Youth Instrument Classes
    • Adult Instrument Classes
    • Voice Classes
    • Folk Dance
    • Professional Development Workshops
  • Concerts &
    Events
    • 2/19 – Talisk
    • 1/14 – Wallis Bird
    • Open Mic at PFS
  • Odyssey of
    American Music
    • Odyssey Program Request
  • Philadelphia
    Music Co-op
    • Co-op Artists
    • Book Co-op Artists
    • Co-op Guidelines
    • Learn More / Apply
  • Philadelphia
    Folk Festival
    • FAQs
    • 61st Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival Performer Application
    • 60th Annual Lineup
    • 60th Annual Schedule
    • Volunteer Code of Conduct
    • Philadelphia Folk Festival Book
    • Contact Philadelphia Folk Festival
  • Music
    Getaways
    • Spring Thing
    • Fall Fling
  • Join
    PFS
    • Become A Member!
    • PFS Member Music Club
    • Member
      Area
Philadelphia Folksong Society