About the Exhibition

New Harmonies explores the early traditions of American music including sacred, country, blues, and dance. The exhibition also examines the use of roots music in protest and periods of folk music revival.

Visitors learn about American history and culture through the origins and evolution of American music.  The exhibition

• consists of eight colorful, interactive displays that feature stories, photographs, and musical objects;
• includes a listening station where guests can hear samples of roots music; and
• visits 12 communities in Georgia to showcase local music heritage.  (A map of these communities is available online.)

New Harmonies in Georgia is led by Honorary Chair Sandra Deal, First Lady of Georgia, and Chair Rose Lane Leavell.  New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music, is a collaboration between the Georgia Humanities Council and Museum on Main Street, a division of the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service. Partners for the Georgia tour of New Harmonies include: the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Center for Public History at the University of West Georgia, Georgia Council for the Arts, and Georgia Department of Economic Development.