With that in mind, Morgan anticipates a boisterous six weeks of lectures and musical performances related to the exhibit.
“We find that a lot of our library patrons have difficulty making the trip to Spartanburg for events like this that are held at the headquarters library, so we felt it would be beneficial to bring something closer to home,” Morgan said. “The other reason is that we have a rich musical heritage in this area – a lot of local bands and musicians live in this area and not only people who play, but people who have studied music as well.”
The New Harmonies exhibit focuses on music and the role it played in our nation’s history, Morgan said.
She said the library is lining up performances at several local churches for sacred music, plus programs at the local schools and possibly events like a street dance downtown.
“This is a big, big deal for Landrum because not everybody in the state is getting this exhibit to come to their library,” said councilman Jon Matheis after the council was approached with the idea to help support events surrounding the exhibit next fall.
City administrator Steve Wolochowicz said he expects the events to bring people from around the area to view the exhibit and take part in the lectures and performances accompanying it – great for promoting tourism.
“We’re really fortunate as a city to have the opportunity to host this exhibit,” Wolochowicz said. “I know the city is likely going to support one or more of the events by at least providing some banners and advertising.”
Wolochowicz said council has not determined its exact contribution because it is still awaiting figures for event costs.
The library received a $2,500 grant that must be matched locally. This money is to be spent on the performances held surrounding the exhibit.
The South Carolina Humanities Council and the Smithsonian together cover all the costs for shipping the exhibit and training staff on the set-up of the exhibit, as well as helping to cover the costs of some publicity.
The money the library must raise through sponsorships will cover the various events to be held around town in conjunction with the exhibit.
The library also hopes to build an outdoor stage at the library that would give the city another venue to host music events such as the ones to be held in August and September. Morgan said the plan is for the stage to be finished before those events take place.