Gerry Milnes Collection

Close-up: scrollwork on peg work of lap dulcimer owned by Ruth Sturgill, made by J. H. Cadle of Monroe County, WV. Photograph by Gerry Milnes, March 1989, Ronceverte, WV.

archive reference: GM S1298.

Project description: The Milnes Collection contains audio-visual recordings made and collected by the Augusta Heritage Center’s former Folk Arts Coordinator, Gerald Milnes. Throughout his career with Augusta, Milnes conducted field work to amass a large collection of photographs, oral histories, music, and event recordings. He recorded the bulk of the collection from the early 1970s to 2013, but the collection also includes tapes and photographs with earlier dates that others sent to him.

Lap dulcimer owned by Ruth Sturgill, made by J.H. Cadle. This instrument, which came from Sinks Grove in Monroe County (from the McCleary family), is 45 inches long and features detailed scrollwork at the head. Instrument shown leaning on wooden wall next to a black hat lying on the ground. Photograph by Gerry Milnes, Aug 1990, Ronceverte, WV.

archive reference: GM S1299.

Project description: The Milnes Collection contains audio-visual recordings made and collected by the Augusta Heritage Center’s former Folk Arts Coordinator, Gerald Milnes. Throughout his career with Augusta, Milnes conducted field work to amass a large collection of photographs, oral histories, music, and event recordings. He recorded the bulk of the collection from the early 1970s to 2013, but the collection also includes tapes and photographs with earlier dates that others sent to him.

Dulcimer featuring one straight side and one curved side. The instrument was owned by a tourist, whereabouts unknown. Photograph by Gerry Milnes, June 1990, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, MA.

archive reference: GM S1288 and GM S1307.

Project description:
The Milnes Collection contains audio-visual recordings made and collected by the Augusta Heritage Center’s former Folk Arts Coordinator, Gerald Milnes. Throughout his career with Augusta, Milnes conducted field work to amass a large collection of photographs, oral histories, music, and event recordings. He recorded the bulk of the collection from the early 1970s to 2013, but the collection also includes tapes with earlier dates that others sent to him.