The country music museum in the Bristol Mall has a new name and new management. The Mountain Music Museum will continue the work that had been under the umbrella of the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance for several years. "Last year the BCMA moved to downtown Bristol to a building gifted to them," stated Tim White, president of the newly formed Appalachian Cultural Music Association. "Our new non-profit wishes the best for the BCMA and their goal of raising $9.5 million for their new location. Our new non-profit will continue to do the work of providing the music and the museum at the Bristol Mall."
The Mountain Music Museum and Gift Shop displays exhibits depicting the origins of bluegrass and country music such as the first recordings done in Bristol in 1927 for the Victor Company with the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, and Ernest & Hattie Stoneman. There are displays featuring the early days of the legendary Farm & Fun Time Show which aired on radio station WCYB starting in 1946 with Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Mac Wiseman, Curly King, the Stanley Brothers, the Sauceman Brothers and many others. They also offer many bluegrass CDs and DVDs for sale.
Located on the lower level of the Bristol Mall, the museum's hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 1-6 p.m. The Pickin' Porch is free to the public every Thursday night; donations help support the museum. 276-645-0035.
