Item Tape R-15068 - Interview with Bertha Simrose

The organizational meeting of the Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society Inc. (SHFS) was held on August 17, 1957 in Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan. 25 people were in attendance at the meeting, called by Richard Johnston and Blodwen Davies of the Canadian Folk Music Society. The first regular meeting was held in Regina on November 21, 1957. Everett Baker served as the first president. The SHFS was incorporated as a non-profit corporation on February 28, 1975 under the provisions of The Societies Act.

The mandate of the SHFS is to gather, preserve and promote interest in the history and folklore of Saskatchewan. The activities of the SHFS include gathering and preserving stories, poems, reminiscences, songs, photographs, oral histories and biographies, etc; offering motorcoach tours to places of historical interest; marking historical sites and trails; sponsoring performances; providing financial assistance and bursaries for members' historical projects; and presenting awards to individuals and organizations working to raise public awareness of Saskatchewan's history and folklore. Throughout its existence, numerous committees have been established to represent areas of special interest. Folklore magazine, established in 1979, is published quarterly along with a newsletter.

The SHFS is a provincial organization with members at large. Local branches can be established with the approval of the provincial body. The main office of the SHFS is located at 1870 Lorne Street in Regina. The SHFS currently (2012) receives funding from the sale of memberships, publications and other means and from Saskatchewan Lotteries. The SHFS is governed by an executive, including a president, past president, vice-president and treasurer, and administered by staff including the executive director and Folklore editor.