National Guitar Museum facts for kids

The National Guitar Museum (NGM) is a special museum all about the guitar. It teaches you about the guitar's amazing journey, how it changed over time, and its big impact on culture. The NGM also works to keep the guitar's history alive for future generations.

This museum explores how guitars grew from ancient stringed instruments into the many different types we see today. It highlights the people who invented guitars, those who made them better, and famous players. You can also learn about the science and technology behind how guitars are built, shaped, and how they make their unique sounds.

The NGM doesn't have one main building. Instead, its collection travels around, showing off its cool exhibits in different places.

About the Museum

The National Guitar Museum was started by HP Newquist. He is an author and used to be the editor of Guitar magazine. He is now the museum's executive director.

This museum is the first of its kind to focus only on all parts of the guitar. It includes instruments from many different makers around the world. The NGM's collection features important guitars from old-time builders and modern luthiers (people who make or repair stringed instruments).

Some very famous guitarists help guide the NGM as part of its advisory board. These include Tony Iommi, Steve Howe, Steve Vai, Ritchie Blackmore, Liona Boyd, Al Di Meola, and Joe Bonamassa. Guitar experts Rich Maloof and Pete Prown help manage the museum's collections.

Museum History

In 2011, the NGM started sending its collection on tours across the United States. This allowed many people to see the exhibits.

In 2012, there was talk that a U.S. city would become the permanent home for the National Guitar Museum after its tours finished. However, as of 2023, the museum is still traveling and does not have a permanent home.

Traveling Exhibits

The National Guitar Museum creates exciting exhibits that travel to museums and science centers.

"GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World"

"GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World" exhibit.

The NGM launched its first big traveling exhibit in February 2011. It was called "GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World." It first showed in preview events near New York City. The official national launch was in Orlando, Florida, on June 11, 2011.

This popular exhibit traveled to many places across the United States from 2011 to 2022. Some of the places it visited include:

• Orlando Science Center (Orlando, FL)
• Louisville Science Center (Louisville, KY)
• Science Museum of Virginia (Richmond, VA)
• The Springfield Science Museum (Springfield, MA)
• The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (San Diego, CA)
• Liberty Science Center (Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ)
• Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (Portland, OR)
• Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (Fort Worth, TX)
• Cincinnati Museum Center (Cincinnati, OH)
• St. Louis Science Center (St. Louis, MO)
• Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Denver, CO)
• Kamin Science Center (Pittsburgh, PA)

"Medieval To Metal: The Art & Evolution Of The GUITAR"

The NGM also has a touring art exhibit called "Medieval To Metal: The Art & Evolution Of The GUITAR". This exhibit first opened at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wisconsin in February 2015.

It has since been shown at many art museums across the United States. Some of these locations include:

• New Mexico Museum of Art
• Sonoma County Museum
• The Haggin Museum
• Butler Institute of American Art
• Vero Beach Museum of Art
• The Appleton Museum of Art
• Fort Wayne Museum of Art
• Currier Museum of Art
• National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
• Museum of Arts and Sciences (Daytona Beach, FL)
• Buffalo Museum of Science
• Reading Public Museum
• The Juliet Art Museum

"America At The Crossroads: The GUITAR And A Changing Nation"

"America At The Crossroads: The GUITAR And A Changing Nation" is another NGM exhibit. It looks at U.S. history through the story of the guitar. The exhibit shows how the guitar has been a symbol of important national events.

This exhibit started in January 2023 at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is still touring to different places, including:

• Museum Of Science and History: Memphis, TN
• Carlsbad Museum: Carlsbad, NM
• Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Experience: Meridian, MS

Lifetime Achievement Award

Each year, the NGM gives out a "Lifetime Achievement Award." This award honors a guitarist who has made a huge impact on the legacy of the guitar. Here are some of the amazing guitarists who have received this award:

• 2010: David Honeyboy Edwards, a legendary blues musician.
• 2011: Roger McGuinn from The Byrds, known for his unique 12-string guitar sound.
• 2012: B.B. King, often called the "King of the Blues."
• 2013: Vic Flick, a famous studio guitarist who played the original James Bond theme song.
• 2014: Buddy Guy, a pioneer of Chicago electric blues guitar.
• 2015: Tony Iommi, guitarist and founder of Black Sabbath, known as the creator of heavy metal music.
• 2016: Glen Campbell, a popular singer and guitarist whose TV show helped make acoustic-electric guitars famous.
• 2017: Bonnie Raitt, a blues guitarist and singer, famous for her slide guitar playing.
• 2018: José Feliciano, a multi-talented guitarist and singer known worldwide.
• 2019: Liona Boyd, a celebrated classical guitarist.
• 2020: Eddie Van Halen, honored after his passing for his groundbreaking electric guitar playing.
• 2021: Al di Meola, a renowned jazz, fusion, and world music guitarist.
• 2022: Jeff Beck, an innovative electric guitar pioneer.
• 2023: Tommy Emmanuel, a master of fingerstyle guitar.

See also

• List of music museums