nico
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First, Washington D.C, next, the world!
I figured this would make you guys proud:
- Thread starter nico
- Start date
First, Washington D.C, next, the world!
Ahnko Honu
Well-known member
I hope Ms. Fandrey takes it beyond just sharing your suggestion. I'm surprised ukuleles were never there in the first place. Maybe we should start a petition here and send it to Ms. Fandrey. 
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ricdoug
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Nice! They could get a lot of documented research from http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org . Ric
beeejums
Well-known member
I'd be afraid that chronic sufferers of UAS would try to plan a heist...
UKISOCIETY
Well-known member
You stole my idea. I was going to apply for a job there. Then, through an email and web campaign begin the grass roots effort to add a ukulele wing to the instrument exhibit. Due to my leadership efforts and my knowledge of the instrument and its history, I would be put in charge of the acquisition of the instruments to display. I then scour the web for Old Martins and Hawaiian Koas, new Pineapple Sundays and Sceptres, one-of-a-kind Howletts and Dominators and Bluegrass ukuleles. Purchasing these on the taxpayer's dime, I would then swap them with $25 Mahalos that I sandpapered and dented to look old. By the time the display opened, I'd quit my job with the grateful thanks of the museum director for a job well done and be off with the loot to Alberta, Canada. There I'd hold up at mctrmt's secret hideaway and be protected by Tucker Torpedo from any Gummit agents who dare attempt to confiscate my ill-gotten goodies.
But now i can't.
JT_Ukes
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UKISOCIETY
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JT_Ukes
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Lanark
Well-known member
I hope Ms. Fandrey takes it beyond just sharing your suggestion. I'm surprised ukuleles were never there in the first place. Maybe we should start a petition here and send it to Ms. Fandrey.
I'm also quite surprised that a Smithsonian exhibit wouldn't already include ukuleles. They're an uniquely American instrument (the origin is Portuguese, true. But the ukulele has become something entirely of its own over time.) Especially a hall of musical instruments.
I mean, Jinkies!
There's a lot of interesting history there that would make a good exhibit. (Tie it to an exhibit about the Paniolo and you've got a worthy afternoon)
On the other hand, it always makes me sad to see instruments in museums because it means that they are no longer played. I don't want to think about the sounds we're missing out on because that Stradivarius cello is in climate controlled case rather than being used to play Bach Cello Suites...
OP
OP
nico
Member
That's exactly what I thought. Get this: the Hall of Musical Instruments at the National Museum for American History consists of a few violins and cellos, a clarinet and a trumpet or two - which are nice and all, but definitely a far cry from being American.
And I couldn't help but also wonder where the jazz was, which is America's own genre. Not to mention some bluesy instruments like the harmonica. But nope.
Honestly. If they didn't have that gigantic portrait of Stephen Colbert, the American History museum would hardly be worth the time it takes to walk around it. They're really slacking.
deach
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Ahnko Honu
Well-known member
NO guitars either, the instrument of Hawaiian Paniolos, and American Cowboys?
Who's running the show there? Seems pretty lame.
Who's running the show there? Seems pretty lame.
