Jefferson Street Sound Museum — Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? A small house museum on one of Nashville ’s most historic streets, the Jefferson Street Sound Museum sort of looks and feels like someone’s house with their chock-full basement collection… because it sort of is. The museum is oft-overlooked by visitors to Nashville, perhaps because it is small and it is only open one day a week (otherwise by appointment). Just walking in the front door makes you feel like an insider privy to the secrets of Jefferson Street’s musical legacy. A museum's permanent collection is its defining feature: How was this one? Lorenzo Washington took over this former home and converted two stories into a museum with exhibits based largely around his own collection of artifacts. Much of the signage is handwritten and going through with Washington as guide is really the only way to understand what’s what and what’s where. Items on display include many, many, many autographed photos, instruments, costumes, sheet music and playbills. The emphasis is on Nashville’s Black music scene from 1940-1970, from Jimi Hendrix to Marion James. Exhibits keep us coming back. What can we expect? The museum is a labor of love, a collection that is not professionally curated or displayed. If you are looking for interactive touch screens and sound-proof booths, this is not the place for you. If you’re looking to learn about Jefferson Street’s musical heyday and its legacy from people who were there and who shaped the city’s history, then head over. The Jefferson Street Sound Museum is about the stories told from the perspective of people who experienced them. That overshadows the lack of fancy displays or lighting. What did you make of the crowd? Visitors to the museum tend to be insiders who want to learn more about Nashville than its surface story. While the museum certainly welcomes kids, its emphasis on reading and lack of interactivity may make it less than appealing for young children. On the practical tip, how were the facilities? The Jefferson Street Sound Museum is crammed full—in a good way—with memorabilia of an age largely gone by. Because there is something to see in every corner of the museum, there’s limited space for chairs and no benches. It is hard to maneuver a wheelchair around and may be difficult to get upstairs to the second floor. Any guided tours worth trying? Lorenzo Washington tells the story of the Black musicians who made Jefferson Street a scene from 1940-1970. No apps or devices necessary. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? It's doable to get a flavor of Jefferson Street’s legacy in an hour, but a wise visitors will let Lorenzo Washington know about any time restrictions upfront. Otherwise, he may get caught up in a story about Jimi Hendrix." - Margaret Littman
