New Harmonies Exhibit - Toccoa

New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music is a Smithsonian exhibition that explores the early traditions of American music. Part of Museum on Main Street a one-of-a kind cultural project of the Smithsonian Institution that serves small town museums and rural residents in the United States, New Harmonies highlights distinct types of American roots music including blues, country, folk, gospel, Native American, and sacred harp.

The exhibit also features interactive panels, listening kiosks, and tailored display cases that allow each community to explore and showcase its local music heritage. The exhibition also examines the use of roots music in protest and periods of folk music revival.

The exhibit will come to Toccoa on Dec. 6 � Jan. 26 and be housed in the Currahee Military Museum located in the historic depot. Musical events will be held throughout the year to highlight our rich musical heritage and to promote the exhibit.  Ida Cox, The Famous Flames, Bobbie Byrd, James Brown, and Doc Tommy Scott are among those who will be featured.

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.)