Ever wondered why music notes in old hymnals look a little different? Learn more about shape notes and the origins of sacred harp-style singing in today's blog by our Curatorial Specialist, Sam Parker! BLOG:

Wishing you and your loved ones a warm Thanksgiving! Today, we reflect on 10 years of engaging with audiences worldwide about the 1927 Bristol Sessions. Whether you've been here from the start or are new to our museum family, thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

Happy Birthday, J. P. Nester, a banjo player and singer born in Laurel Fork, VA, on Nov. 26, 1876. Two of the songs he recorded with Norman Edmonds at the 1927 Bristol Sessions - "Train on the Island" and "Black-Eyed Susie," - are staples of Appalachian String Band music today.

🇺🇸In honor of #VeteransDay, The Birthplace of Country Music Museum offers free admission on Sat., Nov. 9 and Sun., Nov. 10 to veterans and active military. The Museum is open Tues. to Sat. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. from 1-5 p.m., and closed on Monday. #bcmbristol

Saturday, October 26th is our annual Community Day at the museum, and you know what that means: FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY!! We will also have a variety of family-friendly activities from 10:30 - 1:30 and an open Bluegrass Jam from 2:00-5:00 p.m!

Tune in today at 12:00 for WBCM - Radio Bristol Book Club! Readers from the museum and Bristol Public Library will be discussing "Missing May" by Cynthia Rylant!

Join us tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. for Museum Story Time! This FREE story time program also includes a sing-along with Mama Molasses and a book-themed craft! This month we are reading "Moon Bound Girl: Harmony's World Tour" by local artist Leigh Ann Agee!

NEW SPECIAL EXHIBIT COMING SOON!! "Songwriter" is a photography exhibit by @EdRode that highlights talented songwriters whose unseen contributions have long powered Nashville’s iconic sound. Learn more here: 🖼️ Exhibit open: Aug. 31 - Dec. 31, 2024

Tune in today @ 12 for Radio Bristol Book Club! Today we are reading "Stories I Ain't Told Nobody Yet" by Jo Carson. In lieu of an author interview, we will talk to her friend Eugene Wolf about his memories of her. LISTEN LIVE:

It's #NationalTellAJokeDay! 🤣 🤣 Help make someone smile, and tell us your favorite country music-themed jokes in the comments! Image: “The Cat and the Fiddle,” illustrating the nursery rhyme is from the "Book of Cats and Dogs," 1884.

A huge shout-out to the @thecarterfold in celebration of their 50th anniversary this weekend! Our head curator attended the festivities and enjoyed wonderful music, fellowship, and good food. It was great to see so many people out to mark this very special occasion!

The Country Jam is paused for the summer. The Bluegrass Jam will continue to be held on the 4th Saturday of the month. Stay tuned for the return of the Country Jam!

The Junior Appalachian Musician (JAM) program will be taking a break this Saturday, June 22nd. There will be no lessons this weekend. If you are interested in joining the JAM program, come see us next week, Saturday, 29th from 10:30-11:30!

We had a great time at Steele Creek Park yesterday for our Birthplace of Country Music Museum Volunteer Summer Social. If you want to be a museum volunteer, join our next orientation on July 27th (10:00-12:00) or contact us at volunteercoordinator@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org.

Exciting news! 🤩 To help celebrate our 10th anniversary milestone this year, we've commissioned a new collectable museum poster from the legendary @HatchShowPrint! 🎉 These beauties are on sale now in-person at the Museum Store and online here:

Tune in today at 12 for Museum Talk with Erika and Sam! Today, we are talking to Becky Glasby from the @NatQuiltMuseum! Radio Bristol 100.1 FM Listen Live:

Happy Holidays from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum!

See anything familiar about "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” soundtrack? The film has a strong Appalachian-inspired musical element highlighted by the songs - and artists - who contributed to the movie and soundtrack! -Carter Family pic courtesy of Dale Jett.

Tune in to Museum Talk TODAY @ 12 for a discussion with two of our Southwest Virginia & Northeast Tennessee Regional Tradition Bearer Fellows! Erin Simons and John Alexander will be talking about making traditional brooms and toys!

We have a very special live storytelling event coming up with Hoot & Holler! We hope you will join us on November 16th at 7:00 PM for this wonderful show! Tickets available here: