Although the forerunner of the modern harmonica dates back to 3000 BC, the harmonica of today was invented in 1821 by Christian Friedrich Ludwig Buschmann, a 16-year-old German clockmaker.  Throughout the 1800’s, the harmonica’s popularity was spread by peddlers, soldiers, and immigrants.  Cowboys in the American West played their harmonicas to calm restless herds, sooth the horses, and keep the cowboys company on the trail.  By the time of the Civil War many soldiers had harmonicas in their pockets.  The portability and ruggedness made the “pocket piano” a perfect companion for the rigors of life in the new American nation.  It remains the most widely played of all folk instruments.

This is a musical instrument for adults and children 6 years and up.