Trenton Harmonies
Explorations of Community and Local Music-Culture
On exhibit July 13 – September 11, 2011

Trenton Harmonies documents the diverse music-cultures of the greater Trenton area and explores the importance of music in our lives. Part of the exhibit includes a collaborative effort led by Dr. James M. Day, adjunct professor of music at The College of New Jersey, and students in two of his undergraduate courses in partnership with the Trenton City Museum, the Trenton Museum Society and members of the community. The museum has organized this exhibit as part of the local component to New Harmonies, a Museum on Main Street exhibition organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, on display from August to September.

The students explored the value of American music to Trenton area residents today by interviewing and videotaping a diverse selection of people in a variety of locations.  Their presentations are on display on the second floor of the museum.  Some are also available to view online at PlaceStories.  You can also post your own video stories at Trenton Soundscapes online at PlaceStories.

Dr. Day spoke about the exhibit at the museum on July 12 and on June 26 on Humanities Connection, a radio show of the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.

Professor Day teaches Historical and Cultural Studies in Music and Music Performance at Rider University, and at TCNJ he has created new courses that engage students in a variety of community engagement projects involving the arts. 

Another part of the Trenton Harmonies exhibit explores the roots of music in the Trenton area African American community from the songs of street vendors, to gospel music and contemporary jazz.  Curated by Elizabeth Lacy and her daughter Wanda E. Lacy McNeill, the exhibit consists of artifacts from the Bettwansuela Collection of Elizabeth and Bill Lacy and instruments and memorabilia contributed by local musicians and performers. 
New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music has been made possible at the Trenton City Museum by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music 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.

You can get more information here and participate in Trenton Soundscapes online at PlaceStories.

New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music has been made possible at the Trenton City Museum by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music 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.

Grace Little