On Sunday, March 1, 2026, New York Folklore’s Board of Directors conducted the Society’s Annual Meeting via Zoom.
The meeting began with a round-robin of introductions from those attending, with attendees participating from the farthest western-most edges of the state to New York City. Executive Director, Ellen McHale, spoke to the good fiscal health of the organization and she recognized both the board and staff members who were on the call: Board President Wilfredo Morel and Board Treasurer, Jim Hall; as well as staff members Porter Mitchell, Ladan Nikravan, and Anne Berliner.
The slate of officers and board members were presented, with a two-year renewal term for President Wilfredo Morel; and board member renewals for Camilla Ammirati (North Country); TC Owens (Southern Tier); and Aaron Paige (Hudson Valley). MacKenzie Kwok was elected to a first term as Secretary of the Board of Directors.
The Society recognized the passing of folklorist, Lydia Fish, who passed away on January 20, 2026. Many members spoke to her importance to folklore in New York State, and to her engagement with the folklore of veterans. A tribute will appear in the 2026 Spring/Summer issue of Voices: The Journal of New York Folklore.
Staff members provided short reports about the work that they were doing in the gallery (Porter Mitchell); with artists’ services (Ladan Nikravan); and with support for NYSCA-supported artists (Anne Berliner). Ellen spoke about the statewide Indigenous Markers project that is being developed with Seneca artist, Bill Crouse. The New York State Folk Arts Roundtable is slated to take place in Kingston in November, 2026.
President Wilfredo Morel spoke about the artists’ grants from the New York State Council on the Arts which were awarded for 2026. The award ceremony took place on February 24, 2026. He remarked on the variety of artistic traditions and the large numbers of youth receiving support for apprenticeships with master artists. He also thanked the staff for their leadership and strong programming throughout the year.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:58 p.m.