For every artifact on exhibit in the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, there are 20 carefully stored away in our collections facility.

Each item has its own story, which made it difficult to choose one to submit to the annual Virginia’s Top 10 Most Endangered Artifacts contest, sponsored by the Virginia Association of Museums.

After much brainstorming and searching, staff settled on a somewhat unusual diatonic button accordion, made in Italy in the late 19th century and brought to Big Stone Gap by its young owner.

The Fidel Socin accordion came to America on the French immigrant liner La Savoie at the turn of the 20th century. Its owner, Romano Danelon, later recalled playing it for the enjoyment of other passengers, until the crossing got too rough for dancing on the ship's deck.

After clearing Ellis Island immigration in 1901, Danelon began the classic immigrant's adventure – traveling the United States hoping to strike it rich and return home, as he had promised his mother, in five years. That return trip never happened.

Instead, Romano Danelon became Rome Daniel, and was soon an integral part of his new home in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. His vocation was brick layer and stonemason and his lasting contributions can still be seen in town, from the Presbyterian Church to the old Wise Printing Shop. Throughout his long life, Daniel’s love of playing the accordion remained constant, as the broken strap and worn surfaces on his beloved accordion attest.

His granddaughter, Sheryl Moore, who still resides in Big Stone Gap, has fond memories of him playing the instrument and singing in his native tongue for friends and family. In the 1980s, Daniel’s daughter donated his accordion to the museum.

When the call came for submissions to the VAM contest, Daniels’ accordion came to mind not only because of its beautiful craftsmanship but also because it symbolizes the diverse culture of Southwest Virginia and its history as a destination for immigrants - stone masons and coalminers, shop keepers and dreamers - whose descendants can still be found in the area. Their story is the story of Southwest Virginia, and of America.

Daniel’s accordion has cleared the first hurdle to be named one of 2018’s Top 10 Honorees.

Each of the artifacts, representing sites from across Virginia, is eligible for conservation funds of $750 up to $4000, contingent upon public voting. From now through January 31, the public is encouraged to vote for the accordion, or one of the other nine items – one vote per day is allowed. The top two vote-getters will receive the People’s Choice Awards of $4000 and $3000 respectively for conservation and/or preservation needs.

Following the public voting competition, the Selection committee, comprised of representatives from organizations including Preservation Virginia and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, will award two conservation/preservation awards in the amount of $2000 plus six awards in the amount of $750 for conservation and professional development.

To vote for Daniel's accordion, click below. You can vote once per day January 22 through January 31, 2019. Please share with your family and friends. If the button below does not work, copy https://www.vamuseums.org/virginias-top-10-endangered-artifacts?entry_id=179481218&fbclid=IwAR1LNB9MWZWc1GQHkP-yOJRjv7OF4KPivo25V6g3uSCDnV6Zy46czOZg0XM and paste in your browser.

Rome Daniel’s accordion will be featured as part of the museum’s upcoming “Voices of the Hills: Southwest Virginia’s Music Heritage” exhibit.

To learn more about Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, and to help plan your visit just click here.