1920s games, crafts, dance lessons, car rides planned June 26
>>>If you go
What: Public celebration for the new “Gennett Records: The Birthplace of American Recorded Music” exhibit
When: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, June 26
Where: Wayne County Historical Museum, 1150 N. A St., Richmond
Admission: Free with regular museum admission.
Sponsor: First Bank Richmond
Info: 765-962-5756 or www.wchmuseum.org
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Memorabilia from the days Wayne County hosted worldwide music legends such as Louis Armstrong and Hoagy Carmichael is making its way home for permanent display.
A 1920s-themed interactive event with games, crafts, dance lessons and Model T rides for all ages will celebrate that homecoming later this week.
Wayne County Historical Museum is planning a public celebration from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, June 26, to kick off its newest exhibit, called “Gennett Records: The Birthplace of American Recorded Music.”
Museum staff say the exhibit’s public opening will transport attendees through the fascinating story of Gennett Records and the contributions made by the Gennett family.
“Gennett Records: The Birthplace of American Recorded Music” will be on exhibit in various locations throughout the museum, introducing visitors to this story in a new and interactive way.
Indiana Historical Society’s “Gennett Records: You are There 1927” will come to the Wayne County Historical Museum permanently as part of this collaborative special exhibition.
It had been on display at IHS from March 2020 through May 28, 2022.
Visitors can enjoy the special exhibit until Spring 2023, and permanent elements will become part of the narrative of the museum’s exhibits.
The public program will celebrate all things 1920s and give visitors an immersive experience through activities that highlight the 1920s in Wayne County, including Model T rides.
The Public Opening celebration will feature live jazz music performed by Earlham Jazz Band, offering guests an opportunity to learn to 1920s dancing.
Visitors also can meet authors Linda Gennett Irmscher and Charlie Dahan and purchase a personally signed copy of “Starr Piano and Gennett Records.”
They also can watch the PBS documentary “The Music Makers of Gennett Records” and attend a question and answer session with Todd Gould, its producer.
In addition, the museum will offer tours throughout the day of the next-door Reid Center (formerly known as Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church) at 1004 N. A St. The Gennetts recorded sound effects from the Hook & Hastings pipe organ there.