In Memoriam - Rolf Kaufman

CIOFF® USA joins the folk arts community across our nation in honoring the life and legacy of Rolf Kaufman, who passed away on February 15, 2026, at the age of 95.

Rolf Kaufman held a special place in the heart of CIOFF® USA. His belief in the power of cultural exchange was not abstract or ceremonial. It was deeply personal. Having experienced displacement and renewal in his own life, he understood that welcoming the traditions of others builds understanding, dignity, and peace. Through his dedication to Folkmoot and his steadfast support of international artists, he strengthened the foundation of CIOFF® USA and helped expand the reach of authentic folk arts across our nation.

Rolf’s leadership, humility, and quiet determination reminded us that the work of preserving and presenting traditional culture is ultimately about people and relationships. His legacy continues in every handshake between artists, every shared dance, and every community that gathers in celebration of heritage. We are profoundly grateful for his friendship, his guidance, and his lifelong commitment to the folk arts in the United States.

Born in Cologne, Germany, Rolf’s early life was marked by unimaginable hardship as his Jewish family fled persecution during the Holocaust. In July 1946, he entered the United States through New York Harbor, passing the Statue of Liberty, a powerful symbol of hope that would define the next chapter of his life. He embraced America wholeheartedly, becoming a United States citizen in 1952 and dedicating himself to service, community, and opportunity.

Rolf’s professional accomplishments were many, from valedictorian and chemical engineer to president of Wellco Shoe in Waynesville, North Carolina. Yet for the folk arts world, his most enduring legacy is his visionary leadership in helping create and nurture Folkmoot USA. Through his dedication, Folkmoot became one of the leading international folk festivals in the United States and a proud member of the CIOFF® network.

Rolf was deeply important to CIOFF® USA. His steadfast support of international cultural exchange strengthened the presence and credibility of the CIOFF® movement in our country. He championed the values of authenticity, hospitality, and mutual respect that define our organization. By welcoming artists from around the globe to Western North Carolina, he helped expand opportunities for American communities to engage directly with living traditions from every continent.

His work elevated the profile of folk arts nationwide and reinforced the role of festivals as bridges between cultures. He believed that relationships built through culture create the most peaceful interchange among people, a principle that mirrors the mission of CIOFF® to safeguard and promote traditional culture as a means of dialogue and understanding.

In retirement, Folkmoot became his passion and unpaid job. He poured his heart into ensuring that the festival, and the broader folk arts community, would continue to thrive for generations to come. His leadership, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of cultural heritage have left a lasting imprint on CIOFF® USA and on the festival movement throughout the United States.

Rolf’s life embodied resilience, gratitude, civic service, and global friendship. His legacy lives on in the countless artists, volunteers, families, and communities touched by his vision.

We at CIOFF® USA extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Folkmoot community. We give thanks for his extraordinary service to CIOFF® USA and to the folk arts across our nation.

May his memory continue to inspire our work and our commitment to building peace through culture.