International Bluegrass Music Association [IBMA]

International Bluegrass Music Museum [IBMM]
Located in Owensboro, KY on the banks of the Ohio River, this museum is the definitive home for all that is Bluegrass music. The IBMM has preserved Bluegrass music's past and recent history, and also provides a glimpse into its future. It's truly overwhelming to see and experience such a showplace for our music. Currently occupying two floors where you can see everything from the "Bluegrass Pioneers Plaque", rare items and memorabilia, and pioneering artist's personal belongings; to rotating exhibits (such as Les Leverett's photography collection) and state-of-the-art interactive stations where you can mix & match your own Bluegrass recording!
The IBMM is also the home of the "Hall of Honor" where the IBMA Hall of Honor inductee's plaques are on permanent display. The museum is currently in the planning stage of an archive & research library.

Birthplace of Bill Monroe

The Monroe Brothers Foundation
Based out of Bill Monroe's birthplace, the small community of Rosine, KY. See the restored Monroe Family home on the original 1,000 acre farm on Pigeon Ridge, adjoining Jerusalem Ridge. Lots of exciting progress behind the scenes. A few of the obvious successes to date are the restoration of the Monroe Homeplace, the acquisition of Monroe memorabilia/personal belongings on permanent display, the Jerusalem Ridge Festival with its stages located just below the house, a hiking trail along Jerusalem Ridge where Bill and brother Charlie played as young boys, and much more. Highways and rural routes have been dedicated in the name of Bill Monroe. Restoration will soon begin on Charlie Monroe's home, located just below the Old Home Place. Become a member and follow the progress as the BMF strives to preserve the legacy of one of American music's most legendary pioneers, Bill Monroe.

                                       Maybelle, A.P. & Sara  
Log cabin birthplace of
Alvin Pleasance "A.P." Carter

The Carter Family Memorial Music Center
The Carter Family Memorial Music Center, a nonprofit organization, serves fans and supporters of old-time country and folk music through the presentation of weekly performances at the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia. It honors the memory of the "First Family of Country Music", the legendary Carter Family (A.P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter.) Their first recordings in Bristol, TN in 1927 (along with Jimmie Rodgers) are credited with giving birth to the commercial country music industry. The Carter Family Memorial Music Center was founded and directed for many years by the late Janette Carter, daughter of AP and Sara, who with Sara's cousin Maybelle comprised the original Carter Family. A visit here can be an overwhelming experience for anyone interested in American music history. There's lots of music history and many musically historic places within an hour's drive of The Carter Family Fold. They also have a music & mountain crafts festival, museum, and more. But don't expect the commercial type of museums/theaters you're used to...

Time stands still and country hospitality thrives in Hiltons, VA!
[approx. 20 miles from Bristol, TN]