Mountain Music Museum facts for kids

The Mountain Music Museum was a special place in Kingsport, Tennessee. It was also known as the ACMA Mountain Music Museum. This museum celebrated the history of music from the Appalachian region. This music came from places like East Tennessee, North Carolina, and parts of Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The music started in the 1800s. It later grew into popular styles like bluegrass music and country music. The museum was run by a group called the Appalachian Cultural Music Association (ACMA). Inside, you could see old musical instruments, listen to recordings, and look at photos. There were also other cool items from music history.

Many famous musicians from the 1900s had exhibits there. These included the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Flatt & Scruggs, and The Stanley Brothers. The museum was first in Bristol, Tennessee. Later, it moved to Kingsport. It closed in 2019.

How the Museum Started

The Beginning of ACMA

In 1998, two people started a group called the Appalachian Cultural Music Association (ACMA). They were Tim White, a bluegrass musician, and James Bryant, a business owner. Their goal was to keep Appalachian music alive. This included bluegrass, old-time gospel, and classic country music.

The ACMA opened an office and museum. This was at the Bristol Mall. The mall manager, Harry Esenwine, gave them the space for free. The ACMA also started live music shows there. These shows were called "The Pickin' Porch Show."

Moving to a New Home

In 2012, the museum got an offer for a bigger space. Business owner Allen Hurley offered them a building in Bristol. So, the Mountain Music Museum moved to 626 State Street. But "The Pickin' Porch Show" stayed at the Bristol Mall for a while.

In 2013, the music show also moved. It joined the museum at its new location. The show then took place on a stage inside the museum.

Moving to Kingsport

In October 2017, the ACMA announced new plans. They decided to move the museum and the music show again. This time, they would move to Kingsport, Tennessee. The new address was 316 Broad Street.

In December 2017, Rick Dollar became the new director. He was hired to lead the Mountain Music Museum.

Grand Reopening and New Exhibits

On January 27, 2018, the museum had a big party. It was a grand reopening at the new Kingsport location. There were live music performances. Some of the performers included Ralph Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys.

A new exhibit was also shown that day. It was dedicated to the famous bluegrass artist, Dr. Ralph Stanley.

In April 2018, the museum shared exciting news. They had a rare fiddle for a special exhibit. Many believed this fiddle belonged to the country music legend Roy Acuff. The fiddle was on display for one year. It had been found by mistake at a Goodwill store in Missouri. Goodwill returned it to its owner, Lamar Peek. He then loaned it to the museum.

The museum closed its doors in 2019. This was because the costs to keep it running became too high.

See also

• List of music museums