Paul Ramunni, founder and curator of the New England Accordion Connection and Museum shares, “This coming July 1, 2024 will mark 3 years since we opened our New England Accordion Connection & Museum Co. here in the railroad station in downtown North Canaan, Ct. We are also approaching a milestone of having been visited by almost 6,000 people. And yes, we are selling accordions as well. We plan to celebrate this success in the coming weeks. In the movie “Field of Dreams,” we were introduced to the idea of “…if you build it, they will come.” Well, we built it, and visitors have indeed been coming.

In addition to the over 600 accordions in our museum and sales rooms, we’ve added Thomas Edison’s early phonograph players, a Gem roller organ, an Edison Diamond Disc player and several Victrolas. And they all work! People are amazed to hear the quality of the sounds, and the fact that they were made at a time when there were no computers, hardware stores, supply lines, or instruction manuals. Many comment on the ornate decorative beauty of each instrument.

But there is something else happening that is no longer new, and it continues to surprise me, no matter how many times I witness it. The stories reported in the NEWS these days all seem to revolve around our differences. As we well know, much sadness comes from all of the hate and divisiveness.

But picture this…the door to our museum opens and two small groups of people enter. They do not know each other. Everyone is shocked by what they see before them, a room with 400+ antique accordions. They all smile, some laugh, others are speechless, but everyone wants to know how this collection became a reality. As I explain and conduct a tour, within 10-15 minutes, we are all laughing and enjoying each other’s company and the music. We are happy. I find out that some of the people are Democrats and some Republicans. How can this be? Aren’t we supposed to be divided and angry with one another?

Then I see what is happening. It’s the music and the memories we each have of times in the Past when we gathered with family and friends, focused on one another, and built relationships, and precious memories. The music of that time acts as the “glue” that helped us come together in these happy experiences. The accordion was a major contributor to these happenings because its sound is so memorable, and with millions of units being made, it was perfect for such times. With almost 6000 visitors and 3 years of experience, each of these visits have become like miracles when they happen. There is something very special happening here at our museum and shop. Come and experience it for yourself. You will be amazed.”

For Paul, he Accordion Museum is a labor of love. Paul adds, “We want to do something that makes people happy and shows folks that we can enjoy one another. The accordion is an old way of doing that, but effective. I put it on and play for you and all of a sudden there’s a friendship.”   

Be sure to schedule a visit to the New England Accordion Connectionand Museum Co. very soon!

For further information:
Paul Ramunni… owner and curator….860-833-1374
New England Accordion Museum
75 Main Street, North Canaan, CT
Email: ramunni@comcast.net