New Harmonies is a traveling exhibit created by the Smithsonian Institution and brought to Utah by the Utah Humanities Council that examines the cultural significance of American roots music. The exhibit is touring five Utah communities from April 2010 to January 2011. Features include local exhibits, docent-led tours, workshops, concerts, speakers, and public humanities programs.
In Tune with New Harmonies
(aka New Harmonies News!)
February 2011 – New Harmonies has left Utah after a remarkable state-wide run that drew more than 30,000 people to the exhibit and the terrific assortment of related public programming.
Thanks to everyone who helped make the tour successful, especially state scholar Elaine Thatcher, members of the New Harmonies Speakers Bureau, and staff members at the Park City Museum, Anasazi State Park Museum, Cedar City Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, Museum of Moab, and the West Jordan Historical Society. Tune in soon for news of the next Smithsonian Museum on Main Street exhibit coming to Utah!
COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU!
- Park City Museum: April 10 – May 25, 2010
- Anasazi State Park Museum in Boulder: June 2 – July 18, 2010
- Cedar City Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum: July 26 – September 10, 2010
- Museum of Moab: September 18 – November 3, 2010
- West Jordan Historical Society presents at West Jordan City Hall: November 13, 2010 – January 21, 2011
What is Roots Music? 
Listen to America’s music and hear the story of freedom. It’s the story of people in a new world, places they have left behind, and ideas they have brought with them. It is the story of people who were already here, but whose world is remade. The distinct cultural identities of all of these people are carried in song – both sacred and secular. Their music tracks the unique history of many peoples reshaping each other into one incredibly diverse and complex people – Americans. Their music is the roots of American music.
Thanks to New Harmonies Sponsors
New Harmonies has been made possible in Utah by the Utah Humanities Council. The exhibit is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress. Generous support for the Utah tour of New Harmonies has been given by Zions Bank, The Utah Office of Tourism, the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, EnergySolutions, KRCL, KUER, Utah Public Radio, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.