Josh Ehlers, Assistant Folklorist, Oregon Folklife Network

Email: jehlers@uoregon.edu
Phone: 541-346-3820

Josh grew up in the small peach orchard and winery town of Palisade, CO and after high school left for the rainy Northwest. He received his BA in Folklore from the University of Oregon in 2013 where he was the first student to receive an undergraduate degree in the Folklore program. He currently works as the Assistant Folklorist for the OFN, assisting with programming, marketing, outreach and research.

It was while sitting in an English class that Josh decided to become a Folklorist. The major was new and he was the lone signature on the sheet asking for more info. After this he went on to study drag queens, ravers, punk rockers, rites of passage and any group considered “outsiders”. Understanding people and what drives their passions, creativity and heritage solidified his love for the field. Josh hopes to create more accessible public programming for the OFN while also buildings its relationships with partners and groups around the state.

Research Interest:

Quilts

Art Cars

Rites of Passage

Foodways

Current Projects:

Folk Artist Roster development

Fully Fermented Tour

Education:

BA, Folklore, University of Oregon

Professional Affiliations:

American Folklore Society