About Us


Banjo Museum History and Mission Statement

The National Four-String Banjo Museum and Hall of Fame was established to preserve and develop awareness for the enrichment of the public and interest in the four-string style of banjo playing. The banjo is the only instrument developed in this country.

Long the dream of professionals as well as dedicated banjo enthusiasts, the museum is a non-profit educational institution incorporated in the state of Oklahoma. In 1998 the museum acquired a turn-of-the-century building in historic Guthrie, Oklahoma and began restoration and construction that now provides the museum with a permanent home.

The music of the four-string instrument spans the minstrel, ragtime, vaudeville and big band periods, and tours of the museum are designed to give the visitor an increased awareness of the history and importance of the four-string instrument in American music history. Beyond the history, the four-string banjo enjoys a wide popularity today with many American cities having banjo bands. Thank you, please enjoy your visit!

Banjo Museum Staff

  Board of Directors and Officers of the Museum - January, 2001

President of the Board:

Lester Cowden - [email protected]

Vice President:

Mr. Donald Coffin

Treasurer

Mrs. Robert (Pat) Ringrose

Dean, IBC

Mr. Scott Whitfield - [email protected]

  Board of Directors

Johnny Baier
Jack Canine
Dan Fitzgerald
Roger Hale
Brady Hunt
Charles Johnson
June Johnson
Rik Lovelady
E.A. McCune
Glenn R. Parks
Donald Stevison

Museum Administrator

Johnny Baier -
[email protected]

Margie Boatright - Assistant
[email protected]

Hall of Fame Inductees
 

Tim Allen
Bacon & Day
Melbourne "Mel" Bay
Perry Bechtel
Jack Canine
Fred (Mickey) Finn
Sherwood "Shakey" Johnson
Jubilee Banjo Band
Ralph Martin
Charles McNeil
Marvin "Smokey" Montgomery
Freddy Morgan
Don Van Palta
Eddie Peabody
Scotty Plummer
Cathy Reilly-Finn
Harry Reser
C.C. Richelieu
Sandy Riner
Frank Rossi
Lowell Schreyer
Roy Smeck
Al Smith
Johnny St Cyr
Charlie Tagawa
Buddy Wachter

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