The Museum of the Middle Appalachians

05/02/2026

We can’t wait to see you all at Northwood high school auditorium today to enjoy the music! We also have Polar Express Shaved Ice & Inflatables on site and Yaya and Pops Food Truck! Look for them in the back parking lot of the school near the track! 

05/02/2026

Happening TOMORROW! 🎶

Join us for Hobart Smith Day 129th Birthday Celebration on May 2, 2026 at Northwood High School! Come celebrate the legacy of a true Appalachian music legend with an afternoon and evening full of incredible live performances and community spirit.

Live music kicks off at 4:30pm at the Northwood High School auditorium featuring:
- Taylor Hagood
- Sula’s Front Porch
- The Boys from Bristol
- Lua Project

Don’t miss the Music Talks earlier in the day from 12:15pm to 2:00pm at the Museum!
Sessions include:
- Mapping Music, Mapping Memory: Oral Histories and Musical Storytelling from Latine Communities in Appalachia - Presented by Estela Knott
- Stringbean, Hobart Smith, and Vega Banjos – Presented by Taylor Hagood

It’s a full day of music, history, and culture you won’t want to miss. Bring a friend and come celebrate with us! 🎻

04/30/2026

🚨 Registration Closes Today 🚨

Today is the LAST CHANCE to register your kiddo for the Science of Sound Workshop presented by the Friends of the Museum of the Middle Appalachians!

The FREE workshop is this Saturday, May 2nd from 10:30am to 12:00pm at the Museum. During the workshop, kids will learn more about the science of sound, then apply their new-found knowledge to making and testing musical instruments. Instruments include the flute, drums, and string instruments.

To learn more or register, click the link below. 👇
https://forms.gle/ZJWKG7tBVsWVXzys9

04/30/2026

There's lots to do in the The Town of Saltville, Virginia this Saturday!

Hobart Smith Day Music Talks will begin at 12:15pm at the Museum of the Middle Appalachains. Join us as two Appalachian music specialists take a deep dive into aspects of our region's musical history.

Estela Knott will be presenting Mapping Music, Mapping Memory: Oral Histories and Musical Storytelling from Latine Communities in Appalachia and Taylor Hagood will present Stringbean, Hobart Smith, and Vega Banjos.

Following these outstanding presentations, the Hobart Smith Day 129th Birthday Celebration will kick off on the Town Commons at 4:30pm and feature live music, local organization's information booths, and food trucks!

Help share these FREE and wonderful community events are happening by tagging a friend in the comments and sharing this post!

04/29/2026

There's lot of exciting events happening this weekend at the Museum of the Middle Appalachians! May 2nd is jam-packed with family fun and kids activites! Check out more info below.

The Science of Sound Kids Workshop
Does your kiddo love music, creating, and learning? This free workshop is open to ages 6-12 and gives kids a hands on learning experince about sound.
10:30am-12:00pm | Museum of the Middle Appalachians
Learn more and register your kid at https://forms.gle/uhGpnYY4WeGztK6v6

Hobart Smith Day 129th Birthday Celebration
Enjoy free live performances from Taylor hagood, Sula's Front Porch, The Boys From Bristol, and Lua Project. Bring a lawn chair and a friend!
4:30pm | Saltville Town Commons
Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/share/18eGpJbUX6/

We hope to see you in The Town of Saltville, Virginia this Saturday!🎵🎻

04/25/2026

Hobart Smith Day is just one week away! Join us as we celebrate Appalachian music and heritage at this special event honoring the Saltville legend Hobart Smith!

Enjoy live performances at the Saltville Town Commons featuring:
🎶 Taylor Hagood
🎶 Sula’s Front Porch
🎶 The Boys From Bristol
🎶 Lua Project

May 2, 2026 | Music begins at 4:30pm | Saltville Town Commons
Learn more here:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/18eGpJbUX6/

Bring a lawn chair and a friend! It’s going to be a great night of music in Saltville, don’t miss it!

04/22/2026

There are still spaces available for the Science of Sound Kids Workshop!🎸

Does your child love music, creating, and learning how things work? This is the perfect opportunity!

Join us at the Museum of the Middle Appalachians for a fun, hands-on workshop where kids will explore how sound works and even create and test their own instruments!

May 2, 2026 | 10:30am–12:00pm
Free for ages 6 to 12

Spots are limited, so be sure to register today:
https://forms.gle/uhGpnYY4WeGztK6v6

Let your child discover the science behind the music! 💙🎵

Join the Friends of the Museum of the Middle Appalachians for the Science of Sound Kids Workshop! On May 2nd, 2026 from 10:30am to 12:00pm, children will learn about sound and then apply their new found knowledge to making and testing a variety of musical instruments. Instruments include flutes, dru...

04/22/2026

Hobart Smith Day is just a few weeks away! We hope you will join us!

Hobart Smith was more than a musician — he was a keeper of Appalachian tradition and a voice for the mountains. Born in Saltville in 1897, Smith became one of Southwest Virginia’s most respected banjo and fiddle players, carrying forward old‑time music learned from family and neighbors. His recordings and performances helped preserve the sounds and stories of rural Appalachia for future generations, influencing musicians far beyond our region. Hobart’s legacy lives on in every fiddle tune, banjo roll, and gathering where music brings people together.
Join us as we honor that legacy — and invite folks to celebrate the life and legacy of Hobart Smith at the Hobart Smith Day 129th Birthday Celebration! Stop by the Saltville Town Commons on Saturday, May 2nd, for live music starting at 4:30 PM. Come enjoy the music, the memories, and a shared hometown tribute to one of Saltville’s own.
To read more about Hobart's life from the Smithsonian Institute Click here �https://folkways-media.si.edu/docs/folkways/artwork/FLG00017-LP.pdf
For more information on Hobart Smith's 129th Birthday Celebration Click here 👉https://www.facebook.com/share/1XJ9fdibHr/

10/23/2025

The Museum of the Middle Appalachians mourns the loss of our dear friend, board member, and supporter, Butch Surber. Butch’s passion for preserving our region’s history and his unwavering support of the Museum touched everyone who knew him. Butch was a truly exemplary leader - always among the first to take on a project, lend a helping hand, or answer the call to serve. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Charles Butch Surber September 1, 1948 October 17, 2025 Charles Rodney Surber better known as Butch, 77 passed away at JMH on October 17, 2025. He was preceded in death by his son Scott Bradley Surber his parents, Garland and Kathleen Surber his father and mother in law, Tivis and

10/10/2025

The Museum of the Middle Appalachians is deeply saddened by the passing of Carl Rickman. Carl was a longtime supporter of the Museum and faithfully served on the Board of the Saltville Foundation for more than 20 years.

A proud graduate of R.B. Worthy High School, Class of 1967, Carl went on to earn his degree from Virginia Tech in 1971, remaining a loyal Hokie fan throughout his life. He built a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant and was a devoted resident of Saltville, Virginia, where he dedicated his time and talents to numerous community organizations.

Carl was also a lifelong member and elder of the First Christian Church, Allison Gap, where his faith and service touched many lives.

We are deeply grateful for Carl’s many contributions to Saltville and for the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

Carl Edward Rickman Saltville, VA Carl Edward Rickman age 76, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025. He was a graduate of R.B. Worthy High School, Class of 1967. After high school, he attended and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1971. He continued to be a loyal Virginia Tech football