I’ve Endured: Celebrating Women in Old-Time Music at Baltimore’s Creative Alliance
I've Endured cover image
Posted January 6, 2025
Explore the Stories of Trailblazing Women Who Shaped Old-Time Music
The Creative Alliance in Baltimore is hosting the powerful traveling exhibit “I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music” from January 3 to March 1, 2025. This exhibit, originally presented at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, shines a spotlight on the pioneering women who shaped old-time music—a genre deeply rooted in Appalachian traditions and American history.
Rhiannon Giddens with Resa Gibbs and Jackie Merritt of M.S.G. The Acoustic Blues Trio.— with Rhiannon Giddens. Courtesy of I’ve Endured exhibit.
Discover the Women Behind Old-Time Music’s Greatest Hits
Curated by a women-led team, “I’ve Endured” honors both legendary artists and lesser-known trailblazers. Visitors will encounter the stories and legacies of figures like Mother Maybelle Carter, Sara Carter, Ola Belle Reed, Elizabeth Cotten, and Lily May Ledford. The exhibit also celebrates the contributions of artists such as Florence Reece, Hazel Dickens, Bernice Johnson Reagon, and Anne Romaine, whose work continues to inspire today’s musicians.
Among the featured artists is Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah. Reflecting on her inclusion in the exhibit, Kiah expressed her gratitude, saying,
“I’m very humbled to be part of this special exhibit at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, the community that adopted me and helped support my dreams of becoming a musician from the beginning.”
Celebrate Women in Roots Music at the Say, Sister! Festival
To complement the exhibit, the Creative Alliance has launched the Say, Sister! Festival, a vibrant celebration of women in roots music. The festival kicked off with an opening night square dance on January 3 and continues with a series of performances, workshops, and activities throughout January. The lineup features acclaimed artists like Sarah Kate Morgan, Kimber Ludiker, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, and Becky Hill, each of whom will also lead interactive workshops to share the history and techniques behind their craft.
Courtesy of Creative Alliance
As part of the festival, attendees can look forward to the “I’ve Endured” Artist Talk on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This special event offers an intimate opportunity to hear directly from artists and scholars about the stories behind the music and the exhibit itself. The talk promises to provide unique insights into the vital role women have played—and continue to play—in shaping old-time music.
The “I’ve Endured” exhibit is more than a celebration of music; it’s a tribute to the resilience, creativity, and cultural impact of women whose voices have often gone unheard in history. From the heartfelt ballads of Hazel Dickens to the intricate fingerpicking of Elizabeth Cotten, the exhibit captures the enduring legacy of these trailblazers and their significant contributions to American music.
The Creative Alliance, located in Baltimore’s Highlandtown neighborhood, is renowned for fostering artistic expression and community engagement. By hosting this exhibit and festival, the organization continues to honor its mission of amplifying diverse voices and creating spaces where art and culture intersect.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of old-time music or new to the genre, “I’ve Endured” offers an inspiring and educational experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the stories of the women who helped define the roots of American music. For more information about the exhibit, festival events, and ticketing, visit the Creative Alliance website.