Historic Robidoux Violin Heard Again After 150+ Years at Robidoux Row Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri

A remarkable piece of St. Joseph history came back to life Thursday evening as the public heard the sound of Joseph Robidoux’s own violin for the first time in more than 150 years.

The special performance took place at the Robidoux Row Museum (219 E. Poulin St.) during the launch of the museum’s First Thursday summer concert series, where history, live music, and community came together in a truly unforgettable way.

A Living Piece of St. Joseph History

The violin once owned by Joseph Robidoux, founder of St. Joseph, Missouri, was played in the backyard of his original home, offering attendees a rare and powerful connection to the city’s earliest days.

The instrument, preserved as part of the museum’s historic collection, carries with it the sound and story of St. Joseph’s founding era. Hearing it played again brought that history out of display cases and into living, breathing sound.

SJAA Musician Brings History to Life

The featured performer for the evening was Jack Wing, a former Robidoux Middle School student who now studies at Missouri Western State University. Wing has been a long-time student and performer with the St. Joseph Arts Academy (SJAA) and continues to represent the academy’s commitment to developing young, well-rounded musicians in Northwest Missouri.

Wing performed on the historic Robidoux violin during the concert, giving guests a rare opportunity to hear the instrument as it might have sounded in the 19th century.

He also performed alongside SJAA Director and guitarist Jason Riley, creating a unique collaboration that blended historical preservation with modern live performance.

“We’re really lucky to have Jack,” Riley said, noting SJAA’s continued focus on strings education and mentorship. “He really represents what we’re about—dedicated musicians growing into the next generation of performers.”

Riley also praised Wing’s growth as both a student and emerging educator within the SJAA program.

“He just couldn’t make me prouder,” Riley said.

A Unique Sound and Experience

For Wing, performing on the historic violin was a rare and meaningful experience. He described the instrument’s tone as noticeably different from modern violins.

“My own violin is brighter,” Wing explained. “This one is more mellow, and you can really feel the vibration when you play it. I’ve played a lot of violins, but this one is truly unique.”

Wing’s connection to the local music community began through SJAA, where his violin work helped establish him as a standout young performer in the region. He was invited in December to participate in the museum performance during a board meeting and was honored to help bring the historic instrument back to life.

“I got the honor of playing for them,” he said. “I’m enjoying playing it today too.”

Music, History, and Community in One Evening

The evening also featured a lively performance of the traditional tune “Bile Them Cabbage Down,” described by Riley as a fun piece with a fittingly playful name, adding a lighter moment to an already memorable historic event.

Events like this highlight the powerful connection between live music, local history, and arts education in St. Joseph, Missouri, and demonstrate how organizations like SJAA continue to play an active role in the cultural life of the community.

Upcoming Robidoux Row Museum Concerts

The First Thursday concert series continues throughout the summer with more live music and community events at the museum:

• July 2 – Jennifer George
• August 6 – Michael Buck
• October 1 – The reAgents

Each concert features live performances in a historic setting, with food and beverages available from the Lucky Thai Food Truck and River Bluff Brewing Co.

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From historic instruments to emerging young musicians, the Robidoux Row Museum continues to be a place where St. Joseph’s past and present meet through music.