Musical Instruments – The UncommonWealth

Archives Manuscripts & Special Collections

Making Music with Sunshine Sue

The Library of Virginia, one of the oldest state libraries and archives in the nation, is marking its bicentennial in 2023 with a free exhibition—200…

Gregg KimballOctober 11, 2023

Virginia Authors

New Books – September 2020

The Library of Virginia is now open by appointment only. During this initial reopening phase, researchers will be able to use the collections by appointment…

Donna PletcherSeptember 28, 2020

Public Libraries

Public Library Spotlight: Rock ‘N’ Read

This is a post in our new series highlighting the people and programs of the public libraries of Virginia. To view more posts about our…

Guest ContributorMarch 9, 2020

"I told you I had no money & therefore could not pay you"

In 1771, James Juhan, musical instrument maker, arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, from Boston, Massachusetts. From 1771 to 1772 he advertised in the Charleston newspapers…

Chris KolbeFebruary 19, 2014

Newspapers

Titanic Violin Sold at Auction

The R. M. S. Titanic sank 101 years ago but the memories of the disaster remain strong as ever as evidenced by the events at…

Kelley EwingOctober 25, 2013

"And the piano, it sounds like a carnival"

In May of 1883, H. W. Gray, president of the Schomacker Piano-Forte Manufacturing Company, brought suit against Bettie L. Payne in the Frederick County Circuit…

Sarah NerneyOctober 24, 2012