MUN Folklore and Language Archive - Munfla

MUN Folklore and Language Archive - Munfla The archive comprises extensive collections of Newfoundland and Labrador folklore and folklife.

The Memorial University of Newfoundland Folklore and Language Archive is a joint creation of the departments of Folklore and English. MUNFLA was established in 1968 to co-ordinate diverse research in Newfoundland studies undertaken in both departments, to facilitate the mutual use of common material, to organize it for research and publication, and to create a permanent record for future generations. MUNFLA is an integral part of the teaching and research activities of the Department of Folklore at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The archive comprises extensive collections of Newfoundland and Labrador folksongs and music (See MacEdward Leach and the Songs of Atlantic Canada), folk narratives of many kinds, oral history, folk customs, beliefs and practices, childlore and descriptions of material culture. It has special collections of Newfoundland vocabulary, proverbs and riddles, and houses material for a projected linguistic atlas of the province. Newfoundland popular culture is an increasing element in MUNFLA's holdings, including commercial recordings, radio broadcasts, and recordings of local theatrical performances. MUNFLA is a remarkable resource and is based on the contributions of students, faculty and other researchers from the past 46 years. Graduate students are encouraged to discover its value through their work as archival assistants, and by conducting their own research with its materials.

10/05/2026
Here is a morbid riddle from Joe Batt's Arm to kick off the spooky season! Check the comments for the answer. Did you ge...
10/02/2026

Here is a morbid riddle from Joe Batt's Arm to kick off the spooky season! Check the comments for the answer. Did you get it right?

It's time for another ! Can you help us identify Mrs. E. Barry of Grand Falls?Update: Mrs. E. Barry has been identified...
09/28/2026

It's time for another ! Can you help us identify Mrs. E. Barry of Grand Falls?

Update: Mrs. E. Barry has been identified as Mrs. Eileen Barry (nee Hynes), originally from Bishop's Falls. A big thank you to Denise and Linda!

It's ! Here is a ghost story about the Humber River from the 1930s. Do you know any stories about the Humber?
09/25/2026

It's ! Here is a ghost story about the Humber River from the 1930s. Do you know any stories about the Humber?

Today is the Autumn Equinox! This is the day the sun "crosses the line," i.e. the celestial equator. What have you heard...
09/22/2026

Today is the Autumn Equinox! This is the day the sun "crosses the line," i.e. the celestial equator. What have you heard about the Autumn Equinox?

Here are some more topics to explore at MUNFLA that start with the letter E! Some may pique your curiosity...You can exp...
09/17/2026

Here are some more topics to explore at MUNFLA that start with the letter E! Some may pique your curiosity...

You can explore these subjects and more via MUNFLA's online catalogue Capelin here: https://capelin.library.mun.ca/v/folklore

Are you a MUN folklore student? We're hiring for a 40 hour Archival Assistant MUCEP this fall semester! Applications are...
09/14/2026

Are you a MUN folklore student? We're hiring for a 40 hour Archival Assistant MUCEP this fall semester! Applications are now open and you can apply via My MUN Life until Friday, September 18th at noon.

On this somber 25th anniversary of 9/11, we wanted to highlight some of the inspiring stories of the volunteers who step...
09/11/2026

On this somber 25th anniversary of 9/11, we wanted to highlight some of the inspiring stories of the volunteers who stepped up after the closure of U.S. airspace and redirection of 38 planes to Gander airport.

In 2018, Folklore master’s student Alina Sergachov began tracing the phenomenon of the 2017 Broadway musical Come From Away by David Hein and Irene Sankoff. The musical, of course, was inspired by the real-life stories of volunteers from Gander and area who played a significant role in helping those most affected by the tragic events of that day.

Working in MUNFLA at the time, Alina understood the importance of documenting and preserving those stories (oral histories). Alina interviewed cast members from the various worldwide Come From Away productions as well as individuals involved in the efforts to house and feed the thousands of people diverted to the Gander area in 2001. MUNFLA is proud to have Alina’s project on deposit (MUNFLA accession 2018-279).

You can read more about Alina and her project in the following 2019 article from The Gazette: https://gazette.mun.ca/campus-and-community/a-story-of-friendships/

Interviews can also be accessed online on Alina’s Youtube channel, found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eEE1rxG0O8&list=PLb3aGEdOndzkBXo244iInj0MZBVF1hFQN

Alina Sergachov is at the start of a moment. The native of Belarus, who came to Newfoundland and Labrador via Israel, is graduating this week with a master of arts degree in folklore. She devoted much of her time over the past year to a complete study of the theatrical phenomenon, Come from Away. .....

It's and the first week back to school or university for students in the province! Here are a few throwback photos of ...
09/10/2026

It's and the first week back to school or university for students in the province! Here are a few throwback photos of schools throughout the decades. Did you attend one of them? What was back to school season like when you were growing up?

09/10/2026

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323 Prince Philip Drive
St. John's, NL
A1B3X8

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