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.

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    In honor of our Nations’ heroes this Veterans Day, we are pleased to introduce you to animal trainer Clarissa Black, founder of Pets for Vets—an organization that serves veterans and shelter animals.  The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from a companion animal. Then CBS Soap fans will enjoy our interview with the dashing Don Diamont from the Bold and the Beautiful (B&B).  Most known for his character as “Dollar Bill” Spencer on B&B and formerly as Brad Carlton on the Young and the Restless, Don joins us to talk about his illustrious film and television career and his work with the  National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Finally, we have all heard about the approaching end of the Maya calendar on December 21, 2012.  Certainly Hollywood has sensationalized what the Maya [...]

  • theatre fashion

    Today World Footprints will follow the path of a music revolution on two coasts, we’ll explore all things travel with travel journalist Everett Potter and we’ll visit an eco-fashion boutique. Known as the mother of Afro-Beat, music legend Sandra Iszadore has lent her voice to advance humanitarian causes.  As a civil rights activist Sandra also helped shape the music and the message of Africa’s revolutionary voice Fela Anikulapo Kuti.  Sandra’s influence was so profound that she has been immortalized in Fela’s autobiography and Broadway hit, Fela!  Sandra continues to fight for the human rights of others with her mic.  We’ll chat about all things travel with travel journalist Everett Potter.  Everett is the editor and publisher of Everett Potter’s Travel Report—an online newsletter that the Wall Street Journal calls “a source for finding great travel values”.  Everett has been traveling professionally for over 2 decades and has written for a [...]

  • Michelle Obama at White House

    On November 2, 2011, I had the pleasure of covering First Lady Michelle Obama at a President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) ceremony at the White House.  This event honored 12 arts and humanities after-school programs with the National Arts and Humanities Youth Award.  Twelve young people from across the country accepted awards from Mrs. Obama on behalf of the after-school and out-of-school time programs that changed their lives.

  • Femi Kuti playing the saxophone on stage with Fela Kuti

    Produced by celebrity powerhouses Shawn Carter (Jay-Z) and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, as well as Ruth and Stephen Hendel, FELA! (pronounced FAY-lah) is the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.   

  • Inside the Pentagon Chapel and Memorial copy

    On September 11, 2001, acts of terrorism claimed thousands of precious lives at the World Trade Center in New York, a field in Shanksville, PA, and at the Pentagon.

  • Baltimore Grand Prix

    Get ready to feel the adrenaline of the Baltimore Grand Prix 2011 with World Footprints.

  • Colombia Folklife Fest

    My first day interning at World Footprints was very educational because I was able to attend the Smithsonian Folklife Festival that featured the country of Colombia. It was exciting, especially because I have never traveled to Colombia and my experience at the festival was amazing. I was able to absorb a lot of information at the festival because it was divided by the bio-cultural diversity of Colombia, so the rest of the visitors and I were able to feel like we were in the actual country, rather than in Washington D.C. at a festival. It also gave guests the opportunity to thoroughly learn about one region of Colombia at a time.

  • Day and Night at Ottawa Parliament

    The Parliament building in Ottawa stands as a regal expression of patriotism and tradition. By day, visitors can witness the impressive Changing of the Guards ceremony, a time-honored tradition that showcases the precision and discipline of Canada's military.

  • Toronto Caribana Festival image showing dancing girls in colorful head dress and bikinis.

    Toronto's Caribana Festival is the largest Caribbean festival in the world and the biggest cultural festival in North America. This vibrant celebration of life, art, and music transforms the city of Toronto each year during its two-week run.

  • New Orleans Saints and Marine One image shows President Obama holding a Saints jersey with Marine One helicopter in background

    Our journeys often bring us to the White House for remarkable events, and this day was no exception. We were invited to cover a special ceremony where President Obama honored the 2009 Super Bowl Champions, the New Orleans Saints. "Who Dat!"

  • New Orleans French Quarter Fest 2011 video image. Image shows the FQF parade with the FQF sign and parade goers marching behind it on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

    The French Quarter Festival 2011 kicked off at the iconic House of Blues in New Orleans. Rockin' Dopsie Jr. brought down the house with an electrifying performance, while guests indulged in an incredible spread of New Orleans cuisine.

  • Asian Heritage Festival 2011 celebrates Asian Americans and Asian culture

    In 2011, the National Asian Heritage Festival marked its 6th year, celebrating Asian heritage and culture from around the world. This month-long event has grown significantly over the years, playing a vital role in sharing and preserving the rich traditions of Asian communities. The 6th Annual Asian American Heritage Festival kicked off in Silver Spring, MD, with vibrant performances, cultural exhibits, and delicious cuisine.