Ginseng plant, 1718. Illustration by Louis Boudan, Wikimedia
FOR THE SMITHSONIAN CENTER FOR FOLKLIFE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage seeks virtual (non-resident) interns throughout the extended Appalachian region and the eastern Midwest to join a “virtual field school” project on the history, folklore, harvest, conservation, and use of American ginseng. Smithsonian experts will offer guidance in research methods and best practices. Research by interns will help inform a proposed program for the 2020 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C.
Ginseng is a plant found in the forests of both the United States and parts of Asia. Its history has intertwined these two portions of the world since 1716, when North American ginseng was first traded to China. It has numerous health benefits, according to users in America and Asia, ranging from treatments for diabetes and cancer to impotence and fatigue…
Read more about this opportunity on the Smithsonian website »
I would love to be able to follow this and learn about Ginseng even though I live across the United States in California. Is there anyway to do that?
The opportunity is provided through the Smithsonian Folkways project – start there to find more information.