Despite the not-so-friendly skies outside, Sec. Susan Kluttz joined a large crowd of people from 13 different states to dedicate a new museum to banjo innovator Earl Scruggs in Shelby in early January.
The Cleveland County native and famous bluegrass musician is perhaps best known for his unique three-finger picking style and for elevating the banjo from a rhythm instrument to a lead instrument. Today, the banjo is played all over the world, and its popularity can be traced back to Earl Scruggs and North Carolina.
The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources was a key partner in the project, collaborating with local partners in bringing the Earl Scruggs Center to fruition. Staff from the N.C. Arts Council assisted in developing an exhibit plan, funding parts of the permanent exhibit and providing leads for fundraising. The Historic Preservation Office also advised on how to renovate the courthouse, which is home to the museum, so that it retains its historical character.
Perhaps most importantly, the Arts Council continues to promote the Earl Scruggs Center through its Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina cultural tourism initiative. The initiative, which was developed in tandem with Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, holds the Earl Scruggs Center up as one of its key venues.
You can also read more about Scruggs’s life here and learn more about the new museum and its opening festivities here.