As this nation's settlers and immigrants built homes, railroads, and plowed the fields, they told their story through songs and ballads. Transmitting this cultural heritage is the goal of this volume containing songs, bibliographies, teaching ideas, and record and book reviews. These three issues focus on the songs of the railroads, the farmers, and the cultural ties with Europe. The history of the country unfolds through the songs of the railroad which is the focus of the first issue. Despite the importance of farmers in building this country and in creating our heritage, they have become forgotten men and women. The second issue is dedicated to the theme of farmers in our history. In particular the focus is on farmers of the midwest with such songs as "Skip to My Lou" and"Little Old Sod Shanty." The cultural ties with Europe are depicted in issue three through the ancient ballads that stand at the threshold of modern U.S. history and literature. These ballads are differentiated from other songs in our tradition because they tell a story. The vast majority of the old ballads were created and sustained by an oral tradition. Issue number Three also contains a colonial history social studies/music project and folksongs from Papua, New Guinea. (SM)