American Banjo Museum to reopen its doors to the public
After a two-month period of being closed due to COVID19 pandemic, the American Banjo Museum is pleased to announce that it will be re-opening its doors to the public beginning on June 2nd, 2020. “While we have enjoyed providing virtual tours via the Internet, nothing compares to an in person American Banjo Museum experience.” commented museum Executive Director, Johnny Baier, adding, “We are very excited to be able to offer that experience again.”
When the doors open, museum visitors will be among the first to see the new Women of the Banjo exhibit which chronicles the contributions of women to the colorful past, vibrant present and unlimited future of the banjo. From prominent contemporary performers such as Alison Brown and Rhiannon Giddens to pop icons Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton and many others, historic insights, instruments, stage attire and a glimpse of ever-changing fashion trends all help in the telling of this important aspect of banjo history.
Also new is a video greeting from Kermit the Frog along with the return of The Banjos That Made the 20s Roar, a unique gathering of highly decorated Jazz Age art banjos from the collection of museum benefactor, Jack Canine.
Upon re-opening, the American Banjo Museum will be adhering to recommended protocol from the CDC and state leaders. In addition to enhanced facility maintenance, guests will be asked to wear facemasks, use social distancing and avoid contact with exhibits and artifacts.
During the recent hiatus, the museum has been streaming live concerts, virtual tours and workshops which have proven so successful that they will soon be part of ongoing museum programming. “In the current situation, it has been encouraging to see how our community has grown,” commented Outreach and Promotions Coordinator, Lucas Ross, adding, “We’ve had people interacting with us from around the world – many of them discovering us for the first time.”
For more information on hours and upcoming events, or to become a member of the American Banjo Museum, visit americanbanjomuseum.com or call at (405) 604-2793.