Music America

Music runs through the veins of America. Since the nation’s inception two and a half centuries ago, music has informed our national identity, interpreted it, and inspired it. Be it sacred or secular, urban or rural, folk or pop, classical or experimental, it all adds up to the soundtrack of our American story.

For us, music is an endlessly necessary nourishment. Great American songs define our spirit and our soul. They chronicle our history and shape it, too. To tell the story of American music in its entirety in a conventional museum exhibition is a hopeless task. Entire museums are dedicated to rock & roll, country, the blues, jazz, and other genres of the sound of America.

Yet, by focusing on iconic objects from American music’s past and present, we get a sense of the magnitude and complexity of our music story and the importance of those artists and technological innovations that star in it. As we prepare to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday, the objects on display in Music America are meant to be stepping-stones to a better understanding and appreciation of our nation’s grand music heritage.