A! Magazine for the Arts

BCMM wins awards

April 13, 2015

BRISTOL, VA/Tenn. - Birthplace of Country Music Museum has earned a number of awards from the Tennessee Association of Museums and the Tri-Cities Branch of the Associated General Contractors of Tennessee, affirming the high quality of the museum's structure and the exhibits contained therein.

BCMM earned five awards at TAM's annual conference held in Jackson, Tennessee. The museum earned three Awards of Excellence, an Award of Commendation and the inaugural Past President's Award.

The "Award of Excellence, Permanent Exhibit," encompasses all the permanent exhibits in the museum as a whole. The "Award of Excellence, Temporary Exhibit" was given for The Carter Family: Lives and Legacies, a special exhibit guest-curated by members of country music's "First Family" including John Carter Cash, Carlene Carter, and Dale Jett. This temporary exhibit closed in February of this year.

The museum's Mixing Station, an interactive permanent exhibit that allows the user to mix their own versions of 1927 Bristol Sessions songs, earned TAM's "Award of Excellence, AV." The museum's Chapel Film achieved the "Award of Commendation" for its emphasis on community participation in the making of the film.

BCMM was one of three museums to earn TAM's "Past President's Award," a category that was added this year.

"We are extremely pleased with all our awards from TAM, but especially the Past President's Award," said Birthplace of Country Music Museum director and head curator Dr. Jessica Turner. "Being recognized for excellence by colleagues and leaders in our field is a wonderful affirmation and reiterates the quality that this museum brings to our community."

Museum builders BurWil Construction Company earned the 2014 "Project of the Year Award" at the Tri-Cities Branch of the Associated General Contractors of Tennessee's annual awards dinner, held in Johnson City. Peyton Boyd, the architect on the project, was awarded 2014 "Architect of the Project of the Year Award."

"We are honored to receive this recognition," said Boyd. "It is especially meaningful because it comes from the AGC and acknowledges the importance of a great working relationship between architect and contractor in achieving a successful building project."

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