Around 300 people crowded into the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History yesterday afternoon to witness the opening of the traveling Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.”

The kick-off was originally scheduled to take place outside, but an early afternoon shower forced the event indoors. Still, a large crowd was able to gather inside to hear remarks from various dignitaries and leaders in the arts world.

Matt Edwards, director of the museum, welcomed everyone to the event. He said, “We have had a slight weather glitch today, but that’s okay.”

The ceremony opened with bluegrass music played by Back-Step, then Mayor Deborah Cochran addressed the crowd.

“We are extremely fortunate that the Mount Airy Museum of Regional history was chosen as the first site in a year-long statewide tour celebrating American roots music,” said Cochran.

The mayor spoke about her experience in music as a radio host. She said, “Music soothes the soul and is the soundtrack of our lives. We hear a song and we go back in time to our childhood, to high school, to college, to where we fell in love, and to other memorable events. We are honored to have New Harmonies.”

Dr. Shelley Crisp, executive director of the North Carolina Humanities Council, spoke next. She said this was the first time the 15-year New Harmonies exhibit had come to North Carolina.

“We are very excited to be in this community ... We want you to come again and again and bring people here to see this exhibit,” Crisp remarked.

Then spoke Dr. Towny Ludington, chair of trustees of the North Carolina Humanities Council. He congratulated the museum on receiving the exhibit and applauded the Humanities Council for its work for the arts and its help in bringing such exhibits to the state.

Terri Cobb, registrar for the Smithsonian Institution, also was present to speak. Of Mount Airy, she said, “I can’t imagine a place that will bring more life to this exhibit.”

She spoke about the importance of roots music, saying, “It’s not just history. It’s happening here today on the streets of Mount Airy.”

Linda Carlisle, secretary for the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, also talked about the vital role of roots music. She said, “There’s no better place to see that authentic culture than here in Mount Airy and here at this museum.”

She then quoted a line from one of Tommy Jarrell’s songs: “If I get to feelin’ much better, I’m gonna sprout wings and fly.”

The crowd was next addressed by Fifth District Rep. Virginia Foxx, who is a charter member of the museum. She said the museum has always had a special place in her heart, and she encouraged people to become members.

“Come back lots of times, because the exhibits change,” Foxx encouraged. “It’s a great place to learn about our heritage.”

Sen. Richard Burr also spoke during the ceremony. He talked about his connection with Mount Airy, how he wore F. Rees clothing as a child. He mourned the passing of Flip Rees. Then he spoke about the exhibit.

“People are going to have a snapshot of history that is absolutely essential to their future ... The past is so important to the future,” Burr remarked.

After the remarks, the crowd moved into the adjoining room to enjoy a reception with music provided by Back-Step, and ceremony participants moved upstairs for a “banjo cutting” to open the exhibit. The museum had a cardboard banjo cutout available for the mayor to ceremonially cut.

After the exhibit officially opened, the members of the public were free to visit the third floor to see it.

Museum officials were pleased with the exhibit opening. Heather Elliott, education and program director for the museum, said, “I was happy to see a lot of familiar faces and a lot that were not familiar.”

She and other museum leaders said the weather did not put a dampening on the day.

“It was a little stressful on the front end, but it worked well,” said Edwards.

Nancy Davis, volunteer coordinator and museum shop manager, said, “I think it worked well ... I think it’s wonderful. I’m very excited about it.”

The museum workers estimated that 300 people attended the event. Edwards said, “I think the numbers we have here today are fantastic.”

“I think it really speaks to the caliber of the exhibit and the community’s interest,” he continued.

Edwards said one of the reasons Mount Airy was chosen to be the first stop for the traveling exhibit was the strong music heritage of the area.

“It’s so pertinent to this community,” said Edwards. “It is a fantastic exhibit.”

He felt honored to have many special guests in attendance at the kick-off.

“I think that the presence of all those representatives is indicative of how important an exhibit like this is for a small community ... I hope it’s a chance for them to see how well this type of thing is supported,” Edwards remarked.

The New Harmonies exhibit will be open at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History for six weeks, and admission to the museum and its events will be free during that period. The museum encourages donations.

Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.