ELIZABETH – Early settlers in this lead-mining area had to entertain themselves throughout long, cold winter evenings.

One musical instrument they may have used is the Appalachian dulcimer, often called the mountain dulcimer. This dulcimer is a hollow-bodied, fretted, wooden instrument, generally with three or four metal strings. It is hourglass-shaped or oval, held across the lap, and played in a variety of styles with fingers or picks.            

Nancy Garrett of Janesville Wis., known for her dulcimer playing and teaching, will share the basics of this folk instrument on Jan. 26 at the Apple River Fort Interpretive Center, 311 E. Myrtle St. The Volunteer Corps at the Fort and the Apple River Fort Foundation will sponsor this half-day workshop for players of all experience levels – or no experience at all.