Smithsonian Music Exhibit is Coming to ACTC

A Smithsonian exhibit on the music that tells Americas story will be at Ashland Community and Technical College November 8 to December 19.

New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music is an interactive exhibit that features the sights and sounds of more than 200 years of American culture. Provided by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services, the exhibit has been made possible in Ashland by the Kentucky Humanities Council, with support from the KY Transportation Cabinet and ACTC.

New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institute and State Humanities Councils nationwide. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.

American roots music reflects the melting pot of our culture, blending the instrumentals and songs from new groups of emigrants into the evolving music landscape. said Matthew Onion, ACTC Professor and Director of Library Services.

It is appropriate that the college received a grant to host this exhibit, because music has always been an integral part of Appalachian culture, and many of the roots of todays music started here, Onion said.

The exhibitions eight freestanding units depict the evolution of American music from the immigrant ballads and the spirituals of slaves to country, blues, bluegrass, folk, rock and roll and more.

In conjunction with the exhibit on America's 'roots' music, ACTC will present programs that focus on Kentucky's 'roots' music. Special events throughout November and early December include performances of old time, traditional, country and folk music and presentations on the musical history of Kentucky.

The exhibit and events will be held at ACTCs Technology Drive Campus, located off the Industrial Parkway (SR 67), and all are free and open to the public.

Special events throughout November and early December include performances of old time, traditional, country and folk music and presentations on the musical history of Kentucky.

The exhibit will be open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To schedule a tour or for more information, call Professor Onion at 606-326-2113.