And Speaking About Quills....

In light of the peacock feather post, I'd like to ask yall for advice. I'm a first-person interpreter at a history center. It's perpetually 1864 and my character likes to play ditties on the dulcimer while guests come up ask 'what is that thing you're playing?'

 I try to insert as much authenticity as possible and I'd love to try my hand at strumming with a feather. Can someone give me some basic info. on what kind of feathers I should look for and how or what to do to get them ready for playing? Also, any suggestions of how my sheet music could be stored that isn't in a plastic binder? (I know, I know....'memorize the songs! you say, I'm trying for sure, but in the mean time....)