Harold Simmons (folklorist)

Harold Simmons (December 2, 1914 – May 6, 1966) was a Saint Lucian folklorist, artist, historian, and social worker.

[4] As a folklorist and amateur anthropologist, Simmons worked to preserve the island's cultural practices through researching and recording folklore.

[4] He was a great promoter of Saint Lucia and its heritage, stubbornly staying on the island as many of his peers migrated.

"[4] Simmons promoted the country's traditional societies and festivals, which the Catholic Church banned nearly a century earlier, and worked to get fellow intellectuals to embrace the island's Afro-Caribbean, Creole culture.

[2] His many interests also included botany and archeology; he was a founding member of the St. Lucia Archaeological and Historical Society and served as the organization's secretary.

[4] Saint Lucia's Folk Research Centre is inspired by Simmons' work to preserve and promote the island's culture.