In 1998, Bristol was officially designated the “Birthplace of Country Music,” honoring its role in the 1927 Bristol Sessions, where country music legends like The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers made their first recordings.

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum opened in 2014 and since then, the museum has preserved and promoted Bristol’s rich music heritage, celebrating its legacy and educating the public about the history of country music. The museum is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Since its opening ten years ago, the museum, along with the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival and WBCM Radio Bristol, has brought in local and international visitors, boosting local tourism and bringing new interest to the city.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has supported the Birthplace of Country Music Museum with multiple grants since 2016, first funding the development and renovation of the Annex, an additional building adjacent to the museum.

Most recently, the Commission provided the museum with funding to cover construction costs associated with further expansion. This will cover everything from demolition and cleanup to new construction, elevator installation, and development of an indoor exhibit space.

The expansion is set to increase visitors and potentially exceed $1M annually in revenue.

“Support from VTRRC grant funding has been crucial to the opening of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and continues to support its expansion next door,” said Leah Ross, executive director of development for the Birthplace of Country Music. “We are deeply grateful for their ongoing commitment, which has not only advanced our organization but also fostered economic growth and tourism in Southwest Virginia.”