American Banjo Museum

History of the American Banjo Museum

In 1998 Brady Hunt and Jack Canine bonded over their shared love of the banjo. Canine believed that the Banjo is America’s most beautiful and special instrument, and that its history should be preserved and made accessible to anyone. So, Canine and Hunt founded the National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame Museum in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Since then, the museum has evolved by moving to a bigger location in Oklahoma City, and changing the name to the simple, American Banjo Museum.

Permanent Attractions at the American Banjo Museum

The American Banjo Museum provides extensive history and facts about the banjo. Through a variety of exhibits, the American Banjo Museum proves that the banjo is historically and culturally significant.

America’s Instrument is an interpretive exhibit that is around eight minutes along. Through the America’s Instrument exhibit, visitors will see an overview of the history of the banjo, specifically focusing on how the banjo emerged within the mid-1600s, which was during the height of American slavery.

The Minstrel Era – From the Plantation to the Stage follows the banjo’s rise that began in the 1840s. This attraction showcases how the banjo began to stray from solely being a folk instrument. During this time, many people created new banjo structures, which ultimately influenced how the modern banjo is designed. One of the highlights of this attraction is a rare William Boucher banjo, which was manufactured in the 1840s.

Plan Your Visit to the American Banjo Museum

To expand on the American Banjo Museum’s efforts to promote the banjo, they offer banjo classes to the public. These banjo classes are geared towards beginner banjo players. Participants don’t have to worry about getting a banjo, because they are provided. A fun initiative for taking the banjo class is that participants get a 10% coupon that is good for anything in the American Banjo Museum Gift Shop.

After walking through the museum, visitors get the chance to purchase something from the American Banjo Museum Gift Shop. The gift shop has a variety of products, such as; apparel, CD’s, DVD’s, sheet music, publications, banjos, and other gift items. All the profits from the American Banjo Museum Gift Shop goes directly back to the American Banjo Museum, so that the trustees can actively search for more artifacts and keep the museum running.

American Banjo Museum, 9 E Sheridan Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, Phone: 405-604-2793, Map

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