National Museum of American History
Sounding American Music
June 21, 2017 – Closed 2023
From acoustic guitar to keytar—this display looks at musicians representing diverse genres who have innovated, invented, and inspired as they contributed to America’s songbook. Guitars from Steve Cropper, Elizabeth Cotten, and Jesse Fuller demonstrate decades of ingenuity, while Herbie Hancock’s keytar reflects the continuous evolution in American music-making.
About the Artifact Walls
Artifact walls, consisting of 275 linear feet of glass-fronted cases lining the central first and second floors, highlight the depth and breadth of the collections. They reflect the Museum's core mission to collect, study, and exhibit objects from our nation's rich and diverse history. This display is one of the special cases that highlight anniversaries, views into the collections, and research findings.
This guitar was made by C.F. Martin Co. of Nazareth, Pennsylvania in 1950. The guitar was owned and used by Libba (Elizabeth) Cotten. National Museum of American History
