“Let Us Sing” Sacred Harp Exhibit

“Let Us Sing” Sacred Harp Exhibit

Sacred Harp singing, also known as Shape Note singing, originated in New England between 1770 and 1820 as a way for people who could not read formal music to participate in choral church music. The tradition traveled south through the Appalachian Mountains, establishing a stronghold in the American South. Sacred Harp is a form of sacred choral music whose name is said to be derived from the voice or throat of man, the sacred harp with which to praise God.

Sacred Harp music is noted with shape notes, square notes whose sides represent the pitches of the do-re-me scale. Sacred Harp music is performed a cappella.

Visitors to the “Let Us Sing” exhibit will view an original shape note hymnal known as Sacred Harp and hear excerpts of the music being sung. At the time of the 2001 installation, “Let Us Sing” was the only shape note exhibit in the world. Shape note singing experienced a surge of interest following the 2003 hit movie Cold Mountain, starring Nicole Kidman and Jude Law in which shape note singing was prominently featured.