Our Partnership
The North Carolina Folklife Institute is the official North Carolina state partner for the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and its Legends & Lore® Marker Program, a national initiative that celebrates local legends, folktales, and traditional stories through permanent roadside markers.
Why Mark These Stories?
Across North Carolina, there are powerful, locally held stories that aren’t always captured in history books – tales of folk heroes, haunted places, songs passed down, or unique customs tied to the land.
Placing Legends & Lore markers is a way to:
- Celebrate community identity and pride
- Preserve oral traditions and local narratives
- Make folklore visible in the public landscape
- Offer opportunities for education and storytelling
These markers honor the cultural value of place and remind us that the stories we inherit and pass on are vital threads in the fabric of North Carolina life.
Explore the Map
Curious where these markers are located?
Use the Pomeroy Foundation’s interactive map to explore Legends & Lore markers in North Carolina and across the United States.
Annual Marker Clean-Up (Volunteer Opportunity)
Each April, the Pomeroy Foundation invites individuals and groups across the country to participate in a volunteer clean-up event to help maintain Legends & Lore markers.
It’s simple:
- Pick a marker near you
- Grab a cloth or sponge
- Clean, shine, and share your photos on social media using the campaign hashtag
This is a great way for classrooms, scout troops, civic organizations, and folklore fans to get involved and show love for local legends.
Application Deadlines
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation opens application cycles for the Legends & Lore Marker Program at set times each year. We encourage prospective applicants to check the Foundation’s website regularly for the most up-to-date deadlines and eligibility details.
View current deadlines and apply: wgpfoundation.org/legends-lore
Want to Learn More?
To learn more about the Legends & Lore Marker Program, including application details, eligibility, and upcoming deadlines, please visit or contact:
William G. Pomeroy Foundation
Website: wgpfoundation.org/legends-lore
Email: info@wgpfoundation.org
Phone: (315) 913-4060
If you’re located in North Carolina and want to discuss an idea or explore a potential application through the NC Folklife Institute’s partnership with the Pomeroy Foundation, feel free to reach out to us:
North Carolina Folklife Institute
Email: staff@ncfolk.org
Phone: (336) 223-5956
Or use the form on our Contact page