Shared by Gretchen Cope, Park Manager, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, as Guest Blogger.

Ranger Greear at the We the People: The World in Our Commonwealth exhibit

Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is proud to share that one of its significant artifacts, a rare Fidel Socin accordion, is currently on loan to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture through September 2026.

This remarkable instrument was owned by Romano Danelon, later known as Rome Fred Daniel, who immigrated to the United States aboard the La Savoie at the turn of the 20th century. His story reflects the broader immigrant experience that has shaped communities across Virginia and the nation.

The accordion has previously been recognized by the Virginia Association of Museums as one of Virginia’s Top 10 Most Endangered Artifacts, underscoring both its historical importance and the need for its preservation.

An up-close view of the Fidel Socin accordion as it was prepared for travel from the Southwest Virginia Museum to VMHC

Today, the instrument is featured in the exhibition We the People: The World in Our Commonwealth at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond. This powerful exhibition highlights the personal stories of individuals from 68 countries who came to the United States in search of freedom, opportunity, and refuge.

Through immersive environments, historical objects, images, and multimedia experiences, visitors are invited to explore the journeys of immigrants as they left home, built new lives, and became part of Virginia’s story.

The exhibition is the result of a five-year collaborative effort, incorporating extensive interviews and contributions from individuals and families whose stories are represented. It also serves as a signature component of the museum’s broader initiative commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.

The inclusion of the Fidel Socin accordion connects Southwest Virginia to this larger narrative, illustrating how even a single object can tell a deeply human story of migration, identity, and belonging.

Visitors are encouraged to experience the exhibition and discover how stories like Rome Fred Daniel’s continue to shape our shared history.