Video: New England Accordion Connection and Museum Company!

Angelo Paul Ramunni, founder and director of the New England Accordion Connection & Museum proudly shares, “I thought it was time for an update on what’s been happening at our New England Accordion Connection & Museum Co. here in North Canaan, Ct. This coming July 1, 2023 will mark the 2 year anniversary at our current location. We have had almost 4,000 visitors so far, who have come through our doors to see our collection and hear the music and stories.

For one thing, we have become more serious with our collection of antique accordions. We’ve added 7 more curved keyboard units from the 1930’s and another dozen or so original organettos, bandoneons, and cromatica accordions. We now have 4 Luttbegs, which are double keyboard accordions. Only 12 were ever produced worldwide. We also have over 100 refurbished current accordions for sale. And we continue to offer repair services. More folks are coming in just for that.

However, what continues to amaze me is the reaction of people when they open the door and see all of the accordions. They are pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed by the beauty, artistry, ingenuity and number of instruments. But then it begins to dawn on them that most of these were made 100 to 200 years ago! There was no internet, no lumber yards, hardware stores, supply centers or even instructions and manuals explaining how to build an accordion. These all had to be designed and made by hand.

Then it happens…people start to smile, laugh, even giggle. They become like little children on Christmas morning. I’ll play a song and some will even dance and some will cry because the music helps them remember precious moments from the past. Within minutes we become friends and I don’t even know their names. This is a happy place filled with wonderful and important memories.

Everyone who visits feels lifted and encouraged. I have a wonderful 8-year-old student who is learning how to play the accordion. He was recently diagnosed with cancer. Even he smiles and enjoys his time here despite his ailment.

I have the best job in all the world. It took me 74 years to find it, but I now have a place that instantly makes people happy. There are the accordions, great music, and reminders of faith from times past. All of this will lift your spirits. Please come to visit. It’s worth a trip from anywhere.”

Over 400 spectacularly-beautiful accordions have been moved into the recently-restored Canaan Union Railroad station in North Canaan, Connecticut by long-time collector Angelo Paul Ramunni. As creator and owner of the New England Accordion Connection & Museum Company (NEACMC), Ramunni recently relocated the exceptionally-detailed and highly-ornate hand-crafted accordions from throughout the world dating back to the year 1829 into the historic railroad station.

“This is a happy, hands-on experience place the public is embracing joyfully,” stated Ramunni. “We opened this living historical museum space in early July 2021 and people’s jaws drop when they see hundreds of accordions in a room with 12′ high wood-beamed ceilings and windows. It is the only room in the original 8,500 square foot station dating back to 1872. The rest of the building was destroyed in a 2001 fire and was re-built to modern-day specs.”

Between 1984 and 2002, Ramunni owned the historic station to house his CPA business. In 2001 he sold it to the Connecticut Railroad Historical Association after it was heavily damaged by an arson’s fire. Visitors to his museum today are enthusiastically engaged when he tells them stories about what happened in the building over the last 147 years at the ‘crossroads where thousands of people passed every week.”

In 2011, Ramunni created his accordion museum in a garage on his home’s property in North Canaan. This July, he relocated to display the 400+ accordions plus he repairs, buys and sells these remarkable ‘bling-enhanced’ vintage accordions, and he offers to sell over 10,000 pieces of sheet music and books, provide lessons, and play an accordion at special events.

“Vienna, Austria in 1829 was where the first accordion was patented,” revealed Ramunni. “In America, the accordion was popular while the West was being settled and was integral for emigrating families from across the globe. Being portable and musically-rich, it was played throughout the Civil War, World War I and II.

“This museum’s 40 x 24 foot historical room,” continued Ramunni, “is helping people to reconnect to themselves and unite with others. It is offering a fun, energizing, and beautiful atmosphere. People of all ages walk through taking deep, appreciative long breaths of joy. They especially enjoy my old polka-playing Wurlitzer jukebox!”

The New England Accordion Connection & Museum Company is located in the historic Canaan Union Railroad station in North Canaan next to the Connecticut Railroad Historical Association Museum. The museum is open weekends and by appointment weekdays by calling 860-833-1374 or by emailing to ramunni@comcast.net.

New England Accordion Museum
75 Main Street, North Canaan, CT
Email: ramunni@comcast.net
Phone: Paul Ramunni 860-833-1374