Music America: Iconic Objects From America's Music History

Monday May 5, 2025 to Monday January 5, 2026

Music America: Iconic Objects From America’s Music History will open in the Ansary Gallery of American History at the Bush Library and Museum on Monday, May 5, 2025, and remain on exhibit until January 5, 2026. With nearly 100 objects representing the best of American music, the exhibit—curated by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music (BSACAM) at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey—tells the story of how music has informed, interpreted, and inspired our national identity since it was founded nearly two-and-a-half centuries ago.

“Music helps shape cultures. Through the evolution of music, we can see the progression of unique and multi-faceted sounds and lyrics that tell the American story,” said Dawn Hammatt, director of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum. “Through this exhibit, our guests will learn the full story of our musical heritage. From early colonial days through this modern era and through a multitude of artists and genres. It is a beautiful and exciting exhibition that we’re proud to share with our community." 

“In curating this exhibit, we didn’t just want to focus on the history of rock and roll in America, or country, or blues, we wanted to tell the story of how all of these genres together have shaped our identity as a nation,” said Robert Santelli, BSACAM Executive Director. 

Music America features artifacts from the permanent collection of the BSACAM alongside treasures from other institutions across the country such as the New Orleans Jazz Museum, Hard Rock International, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as well as dozens of prominent collectors of American music ephemera. 

This exhibit features legendary objects from artists such as Johnny Cash, Sam Cooke, Chuck D, Woody Guthrie, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Tupac Shakur, and more.

Specific artifacts include: a late 18th century hymnal, Bob Dylan’s harmonica, Ella Fitzgerald’s cabaret card, Leonard Bernstein’s outfit and baton, and iconic clothing from Elvis Presley, and Lady Gaga. Along with interactive audio recordings from throughout history, the numerous one-of-a-kind artifacts demonstrate the depth, breadth, and great productivity of American musicians.

The Museum’s Fidelity Gallery will also feature a selection of musical instruments from the Library’s artifact collections. The exhibit will be on display from July 14, 2025, to March 1, 2026.

The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum is grateful for the generous support of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation in sponsoring these exhibits.