Bethena
A forgotten American waltz. A journey through memory, cities, and time.
Rey’s Journal
The Discovery
I thought I knew Scott Joplin.
Ragtime. Energy. Rhythm.
Then I found Bethena.
Not a march. Not a dance hall tune.
A waltz.
Gentle. Reflective. Personal.
It felt like opening an old photograph and finding a story hidden inside.
The Question
Why would the King of Ragtime write something so different?
Who was Bethena?
What happened in Joplin’s life when this music appeared?
And why has this beautiful piece nearly disappeared from concert stages?
What We Found
This journey follows six scenes:
The Journey Begins
Across the River
The Nation Learns to Dance
Cities Rise, Dreams Grow
The Music Travels Through Time
Begin Again
Each scene explores a piece of America’s story through Bethena.
Hidden Clue
Look carefully at the project images.
One detail appears more than once.
Can you find it?
Your Turn
What surprised you most about Bethena?
Enter your answers to the challenge questions below.
Journey Map
Challenge Rey
Can you find the hidden clue?
Can you solve the puzzle for the next piece?
Submit your answers below and join the investigation.