Accordion Museum Brings Music History to Connecticut
September 24th 2024
Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor Accordion USA News
Did you know that there is a wonderful accordion museum, The New England Accordion Connection and Museum, in North Canaan, CT.? The museum is in the railroad station in the center of North Canaan, right in the center of town. Business owner Paul Rummuni’s love of accordions originated with his mother. Paul sat down with Ann Nyberg to talk about some of the things that the museum has to offer.
Paul shares, “July 1, 2024 marked 3 years since we opened our New England Accordion Connection & Museum Co. We are also approaching a milestone of having been visited by almost 6,000 people. And yes, we are selling accordions as well.

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.
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.
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.

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.
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.”
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.
For further information:
Paul Ramunni… Owner and Curator….
Phone: 860-833-1374
New England Accordion Museum
75 Main Street, North Canaan, CT