The Farms: An Allerton Folk School

  • The Farms: An Allerton Folk School

    Community Interest Survey

  • When Robert Allerton gifted his estate and farmland to the University of Illinois in 1946, the deed of the gift stated that the propery "be used by the University as an education and research center". To fulfill Robert's wishes for his gift, Allerton Park & Retreat Center is excited to annouce its newest endeavor, The Farms: An Allerton Folk School. 

    Through The Farms, Allerton wants to create a community through experiential learning, storytelling, and accessible creative expressions in a restorative and supportive environment. As a folk school The Farms hopes to engage our community by

    • creating opportunities for learning outside traditional constructs
    • devolping connections within the community
    • providing a resorative, supportive, and inspirational setting for creativity and storytelling
    • providing University access for student research
    • providing opportunities for learning and teaching
    • creating a judgement free space to share and collaborate
    • promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and access for all community members

    In order to serve our community the best way we can, Allerton and The Farms want to hear from our community members on what they would like to see and offered at our new folk school. Please fill out the survey below to make your voice heard.

  • Contact Information

    If you would like to be notified of upcoming folk school classes and workshops

  • Demographics

    This section is completely voluntary and will only be used for internal reporting purposes
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Race

  • Classes, Workshops & Gatherings

    The following are possible topics for folk school classes and workshops. Please mark all topics that are of interest to you and/or your family. Classes
  • Topics of folk school classes and/or workshops
  • Gatherings at The Farms provide an opportunity for the community to get together to make music, participate in dance, and tell stories, just to name a few. Participants of these gatherings do not have to be experts or professionals. The only goals are spending time with your neighbors, learning from others, and creating memories. Mark all topics for gatherings you would be interested in being a part of
  • How did you learn about The Farms?
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