Museum celebrates accordion culture

NORTH CANAAN — The Canaan Union Railroad Station has welcomed a new resident within the last year:  the New England Accordion Connection and Museum. The museum has over 500 accordions, each with a unique story.

Director Paul Ramunni first opened the museum in 2011 in a space attached to his personal residence. His goal was to keep the spirit and influence of the accordion alive.

“Last year we moved into Canaan Union Railroad Station and we’ve already had over 2,000 visitors,” said Ramunni.

A tour of the collection chronicled the rich history of the accordion, with the earliest versions originating in China some 3,000 years ago.

“Legend goes that the emperor woke up one morning and heard a bird singing,” said Ramunni. “He got his guys together and told them to make him something so he could hear that beautiful sound whenever he wanted.”

The first iteration was made of a gourd and 17 bamboo chutes, each containing a reed. A few thousand years later the design made its way to Europe and the modern accordion was created in the early 1800s.

Over the last 200 years an array of designs and styles have been developed, peaking in popularity in the early 1900s. Ramunni has kept accordion history and tradition alive through tours of his collection.

The museum has over 300 unique vintage models on display and 200 new and used models that are available for purchase. He also offers lessons to those interested in learning.

“After visiting the brewery people stop by and dance,” said Ramunni. “We have people dancing all the time.”

To book a tour of the museum, schedule a lesson or browse accordions for sale, visit neacmc.com.