In the course ofoperating my business,  Easthampton ViolinCo.,  I have had the privilege of viewing manythousands of violins. A small percentage of these violins were made locally. The grandeurof these locally made instruments, both in artistry and tone,   surprised me. I had no idea there were good violin makers in the Pioneer Valley.   I associated fine American violins only withcities like Boston, New York, or Chicago.

I was filled with questions. Did violin makers immigrate here or werethey born here? If they immigrated, what attracted them to the Pioneer Valley?  How did they learn to make violins? How do theviolin makers of the Pioneer Valley fit into the larger picture of violin making inMassachusetts, New England, or America? Who played these many violins and in what musicalor social settings? What does the presence of violin makers during industrial revolutionsuggest about emerging American Culture.  Therewere no ready answers in print.  I wanted toknow.

I saved a few violins as examples of local art and began to researcheach makers personal history. I searched probate court records, census listings, oldnewspapers, and vintage periodicals. I tracked down relatives of the makers. (Egads, now Iwas hooked.) I scoured flea markets, antique stores, and auctions for more Massachusettsmade violins. I visited musicians, collectors and other instrument dealers, always hopingto see examples of Massachusetts violins. I needed to see multiple instruments by eachmaker to gain  perspective on theirworkmanship; an early or late period instrument may not favorably reflect a makers peakability.  I particularly sought photographs ofthe violin makers in order to “give a face” to the individuals who helped forgea new American industry.

As the puzzle came together, something marvelous happened. Lookingbackward through the window of each violin makers life made the past “comealive.” This never happened in my “memorize a time line” history classes.  Inadvertently, I discovered a new appreciation forthe Pioneer Valley through an awareness of the unique historical circumstances(geographical, political, social ) that made this region what it is today.

From this humble start grew a collection of violins and accompanyingbiographical materials representing the violin makers of Massachusetts.  ThisSpringfield exhibition at the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum displays only a smallportion of the collection specifically related to the museum's regional mission.

I hope that you too may be inspired by the Massachusetts violin makers who left behindtheir legacy in so many wonderful instruments. I invite you to study them. May they besavored by musician and historian alike.

Hey!  I still need your help. The search for additional instruments, photographs and historical documents is on going. If you decide to search, you will undoubtedly find additional makers and their fine instruments and I'd love to hear about them! Working together, we might all help polish the tarnished image of American violin making.

If you have questions or additional information about any violinmaker in the exposition, or  if would like toshare information about a violin maker who was not included in the exposition pleasecontact me. I will help you if I can.

Ron Midgett

email: info@easthamptonviolin.com

Tel: (413)527-8033 or 1(800)207-2400