The Roanoke Valley Dulcimer Group presented an outdoor concert for the public in the pergola at the Vinton History Museum on August 7. Musicians Jesse Shelor, Cathie Shelor, Gloria Howell. Angie Martin, Carla Fosbre, Ronda Vanover, Earl Vanover, and Holly Lauderdale entertained with a variety of old-time Appalachian and Irish tunes, hymns, folk songs, and more.
A dulcimer is a unique percussion instrument with an ancient history, dating back to the Middle Ages in many parts of Europe. The word “dulcimer” is derived from the Latin word dulcis (“sweet”) and the Greek word melos (“song”) and produces what many describe as “sweet sounds.” Dulcimers are typically played on one’s lap and plucked like a guitar.
This was their second performance at the museum. The first was pre-COVID in September 2019. The group says at that point they had “big plans” which had to be put on hold during the pandemic. But now they are back. During the most restrictive times of the pandemic the group attempted to practice together via Zoom—not an easy task. Once the guidelines loosened up, Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church in Vinton offered them their pavilion for rehearsals.
The Vinton History Museum is open on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and often provides special programs, such as the Dulcimer concert, on those days. They are also open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for tours and research. Admission is free.
Upcoming museum events include a fundraising Yard Sale on Saturday, September 11. The museum is in need of gently used, sellable items for the sale. Christmas/Holiday décor is also welcome. You may bring donations to the museum located at 210 East Jackson Avenue in downtown Vinton during their regular business hours.
The history museum will be open on October 2 for Fall Festival Day. Their annual Holiday Open House is scheduled for December 4.
The museum always welcome volunteers and will match you up to a role that matches your interests, skills, and schedules.
The Vinton History Museum is recruiting new individual and business members to support the work of the museum.
The museum maintains two Facebook pages—the Vinton History Museum page and Vinton Memories and History, packed with information about days gone by in the town.
For more information call the museum at (540)342-8634, email them at info@vintonhistorymuseum.org, or check out their Facebook pages.