The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, VA, affiliated with the Smithsonian Museum system, has announced that they are now also a Blue Star Museum.
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in cooperation with the Department of War and participating US museums, to allow active duty and reserve military members and their families to visit free of charge.
Free admission is usually reserved for members and patrons of these various facilities, or for special events, but now any military folks in or around Bristol and the Tri-Cities of Tennessee, or passing through in I-81, can stop off and tour this wonderful museum at no charge.
Eligible to attend for free are members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Proper government identification is required.
The Museum in Bristol is just what the name suggests, a look through exhibits and installations at the early days of country music, including bluegrass and old time, that got its start in a local hotel now known colloquially as The Bristol Sessions.
Ralph Peer, then a roving recordist for the Victor Talking Machine Co. captured initial recordings in 1927 by artists like Jimmie Rodgers, The Carter Family, The Stonemans, and more. As those were released to radio and for sale, the rest of the world got to hear Appalachian music for the first time, and country music was born.
The Museum describes itself thusly…
The 24,000 square foot museum is located at 101 Country Music Way (corner of Moore & Cumberland Streets) in Historic Downtown Bristol, Virginia. Through multiple theater experiences, film and sound, and interactive, technology-infused displays—along with a variety of educational programs, music performances, and community events—the exciting story of this music and its far-reaching influence comes alive. Rotating exhibitions from guest curators and other institutions, including the Smithsonian, are featured throughout the year in the Special Exhibits Gallery. The museum is also home to a digital archive.
Blue Star Museums are located throughout the US, in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and Guam. An interactive map online highlights ones offering free admission for military families.
Well done Birthplace of Country Music Museum!
