There is still time to see the Music and Innovation: The Art of Homer Ledford exhibit case at the Kentucky Historical Society’s Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. The exhibit case closes on Saturday, December 29.

Music and Innovation: The Art of Homer Ledford provides a closer look at the life and work of Ledford. A luthier, or stringed- instrument maker, Ledford’s art was rooted in his innovative nature, his musical talent, and his woodworking and mechanical skills. Ledford crafted over 6,500 instruments during his lifetime making him one of the most prolific luthiers in the southeastern United States. Ledford was best known for making dulcimers, a stringed folk- instrument. His creativity is best highlighted by the unique instruments he invented. The dulcitar, dulcijo, and dulcibro were inventive hybrids that combined the dulcimer with instruments such as the guitar, banjo, and dobro.

Along with crafting these instruments, Ledford was also a talented bluegrass musician. He played nationally and internationally with the Cabin Creek Band at concerts, festivals, and schools.

Ledford’s instruments are cherished for their exceptional workmanship and the beautiful music they make. He has been honored for his work numerous times, including awards from the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Ledford was a master artist whose life work resonates harmoniously with his time and place. The creative and innovative instruments he made have helped Ledford shine as one of Kentucky’s master luthiers.

“Homer Ledford’s work lives on through the music he recorded, the instruments he crafted, and the craftsmen he inspired,” says Kent Whitworth, executive director of the Kentucky Historical Society. “His story, along with the stories of all luthiers, both in and outside the commonwealth, provides all Kentuckians connections to the past, perspective on the present, and inspiration for the future.”

The Kentucky Historical Society presents this exhibit case at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History located at 100 West Broadway, Frankfort, KY. Hours of admission are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET Tuesday through Saturday. The Kentucky Historical Society will be closed on Tuesday, December 25.