Cultural Heritage

Delve into the rich tapestry of humanity’s cultural heritage, encompassing arts, history, and beyond.

With over 3,800 distinct cultures worldwide, as cataloged by anthropologists and recorded in Price’s Atlas of Ethnographic Societies—a number potentially underestimated—we can only begin to fathom the profound influence of these myriad cultural legacies across the globe.

Cultural heritage, as defined by Wikipedia, comprises the tangible and intangible assets inherited by a society from past generations. Not all remnants of the past qualify as “heritage”; rather, heritage emerges through societal selection.

This expansive term encompasses a vast array of elements, including customs, beliefs, rituals, arts, music, and more, shaping culture and behavior. It extends to practices related to the natural environment, religious and scientific traditions, language, cuisine, and even cyber cultures in the digital realm. Emerging cultures of the present are poised to become the heritage of the future.

Below, discover a diverse array of cultural heritage assets, ranging from the architectural influences of Indigenous communities to the impact on fashion, cuisine, and beyond. These narratives also shed light on historical events, viewed through the lens of contemporary society.

  • Bavaria.neuschwanstein

    When the reclusive Ludwig II of Bavaria built Neuschwanstein Castle, one has to wonder if it was for him, a place of fairytales. Perhaps for the King who was often referred to as the Swan King' or the 'Fairy Tale King', a fairy tale castle would be an appropriate abode.

  • New Orleans Jackson Sq

    On May 7, 1718, one of America's most vibrant and culturally rich cities, New Orleans, was founded by the French. Originally known as La Nouvelle-Orléans, the city was named in honor of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, Regent of France.

  • Piranha by MM 0

    Do you love to fish?  If so, we’ve discovered a new fishing hotspot that has been under the radar for years...the country of Brazil has been a hidden and treasured angling mecca for those fishermen

  • FQF 2013 crowd

    In the second hour of our French Quarter Festival 2012 broadcast we will keep the good times rolling, Mark Romig, President of New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corp (and a member of the famous Romig family) along with Zack Rosenburg, a Washington, DC transplant and very first CNN Hero. Zack will discuss the St. Bernard Project (SBP), a non-profit organization that aims to rebuild one of the most devastated parishes hit by Hurricane Katrina. SBP is also working in others areas around the United States that are in need.

  • Banana Foster at Brennans

    In our first hour of the 2012 French Quarter Festival broadcast we will celebrate our 5th anniversary of LIVE broadcasts from New Orleans by sharing sound bites from the previous years.

  • NOLA Street Entertainer. He is often seen in New Orleans. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick

    Enjoy a taste of New Orleans in this episode of World Footprints. New Orleans has so much to offer and we'll introduce a few more of the New Orleans treasures including indie soul singer/songwriter Theresa Andersson who stops by to talk about how life in New Orleans has influenced her music and how she merged the culture of New Orleans with that of her home country of Sweden. She came to New Orleans in 1990 to play violin with fellow singer-songwriter and Swede, Anders Osborne. Nine years later, she left the band. Since then, Andersson has performed and recorded with several well-known New Orleans musicians

  • Natchez ferry in NOLA

    World Footprints continues with its special broadcast from New Orleans during French Quarter Festival 2010. Stevie McKee will talk about the 7th Ward and Faubourg Treme, an historic neighborhood recently made famous by HBO. Then we’ll be rockin’ with the “Mick Jagger of the Marsh” and Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. Plus Patty Gay from the New Orleans Preservation Resource Center and jazz great Jeremy Davenport.

  • New Orleans Katrina Deli

      Mardi Gras Indian costume in the New Orleans African-American Museum.  Photo:  Tonya Fitzpatrick World Footprints returns to New Orleans for our signature broadcast from Jackson Square for French Quarter Festival! During this hour we will share more "must see" museums, including the New Orleans African-American Museum.  We'll also speak to a local historian, Errol Laborde, editor at the New Orleans Magazine and we'll introduce "Mr. New Orleans" aka Stephen Perry, President/CEO of the New Orleans CVB.  Errol Laborde has won more than twenty-five New Orleans Press Club awards for outstanding journalism and the National City and Regional Magazine Association Award for his magazine Streetcar column. Finally, you'll hear from two "NOLA ambassadors" and fans of World Footprints who will share why they come back to the city every year.  Spoiler alert:  These special guests have been nicknamed "The Moms" by New Orleans Conventions and Visitors Bureau staff.  They are [...]

  • Ashford Castle in Ireland. Photo by Tonya Fitzpatrick

    World Footprints will travel parts of Ireland with tour guide Will Collins who will take us on a well-rounded journey through the Emerald Isle.  Will shares some of Ireland's culinary and sporting traditions as well as the country's interesting festivals, including a match-makers weekend, Ireland's history and historical figures.

  • Photo of Israel's first female prime minister Golda Meir. PublicDomain image

    On March 7, 1969, Golda Meir made history by becoming Israel’s first female Prime Minister, at a time when women in leadership positions were still a rarity worldwide.

  • Standing atop a hill on Dominica facing a Fishing Village. photo taken by Tonya Fitzpatrick

    Phil Keoghan is host of the multi Award-winning reality show, "The Amazing Race".  We talked to Phil about how the show mirrors his life, his passion for travel and his commitment to give back to others.   Phil also shared how a near death experience inspired his mantra to leave "No Opportunity Wasted".

  • The Alamo in Texas. Photo: .Kelly DeLay

    On March 6, 1836, the pivotal Battle of the Alamo came to a deadly conclusion, marking a crucial moment in Texas' struggle for independence from Mexico. At the time, Texas was part of Coahuila y Tejas, a northern region of Mexico, caught in a fierce tug-of-war. Rebel forces in Texas sought freedom, while the Mexican government, led by General Santa Anna, was determined to hold on to the territory and prevent further U.S. expansion.