Occupational folklife consists of experience and activites that are usually learned on the job.
	[PHOTO BY JACK LIBBEY] A towboat enters a lock on the Mississippi River near Keokuk.

Occupational folklife refers to the work-related stories, the customary practices, skills, and material objects that people use in their professions, as well as the special terms, sayings, jokes, legends, songs, and rituals associated with them.

Folklife Background

This lesson explores creative expressions and knowledge used in a variety of occupations. The video provides a fairly intimate portrait of the work done by the following:

Jack Libbey, a veteran Mississippi River towboat captain from Lansing
John Duccini, a Mississippi River commercial fisherman from Dubuque
Bruce Williams, a family farmer from Villisca
Karmen Mehmen, a family farmer from Plainfield