Humanities Tennessee

Zydeco accordionist Nathan Williams in a parade. Photo by Philip Gould

In March 2008, Humanities Tennessee's fifth Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition will open in Tennessee. New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music presents the story of music and music traditions, exploring the sounds and songs that evolved into American music alongside the nation itself. With instruments, photographs, artifacts, and audio components, New Harmonies explores the regional and social history of America as expressed by the diverse origins and transformations of music traditions. Host communities will present related programs, such as exhibits, photo essays, oral histories, or book and film discussions, based on local history research. From string bands to blues traditions to shape note singing to instrument making, the New Harmonies hosts' topics will illuminate one of the most original and celebrated sources of Tennessee identity — our music.

Native American Powwow. National Museum of the American Indian National Powwow, Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. 08/14/05. Photo by Walter Larrimore

The exhibition will be hosted in Tennessee by five organizations across the state, including:

March 15–April 27, 2008

Campbell Co. Historical Society & Museum/Campbell Co. Cultural Coalition, LaFollette

May 3–June 15, 2008

Green McAdoo Cultural Organization, Clinton

Gospel great Mahalia Jackson. Photo by Les Leverett

August 9–September 21, 2008

Hardeman County Chapter, APTA, Bolivar

September 27–November 9, 2008

Smith County Heritage Museum, Carthage

November 15–December 28, 2008

West Tennessee Discovery Museum, Jackson