The Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center

The Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center features the life and music of the legendary music performer. Recognized as a pioneer in traditional Appalachian old-time music, Stanley has donated his extensive collection of memorabilia – ranging from vintage instruments to countless musical awards – to the museum. Located in an historic Victorian home the collection includes exhibits on Dr. Stanley, the region’s musical roots, and on popular successors like Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless. The facility is a resource center for students and music fans to learn more about traditional American and Appalachian music. The facility, housed in the four-story Chase House, includes a 2,200-square-foot museum on two levels of the facility, a welcome Center, a retail store, and office and storage.
The Ralph Stanley Museum is considered by most the “Crown Jewel” of the Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail, which spotlights the towns and institutions that promote and preserve traditional mountain music from the Appalachian area. The museum’s mission is “to honor the talent and legacy of Dr. Ralph Stanley and to preserve and promote traditional mountain music through exhibits, services, and resource information to the people in Southwest Virginia, the nation and the world