BRATTLEBORO-Exquisitely crafted instruments, made in Brattleboro. That's what visitors can see, hear, and even play when they visit the Estey Organ Museum (EOM) this season.
A new exhibit has been created by Board member Rev. Craig L. Cowing, retired clergy from Rocky Hill, Connecticut. This special display highlights patterns made and used by Estey employees for cutting out elements of organ cases and for chip-carved decorations on cases.
The museum's collection incudes some 80 pieces spanning circa 1875 to 1900. Although not complete, the collection illustrates changes in cabinet styles during this period.
An essential aspect of the Museum's mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the physical and cultural heritage of the Estey Organ Company (1846–1960), one of the world's largest organ manufacturers. The museum, housed in the Company's main engine house, displays 20 instruments dating as far back as the mid-1800s. Museum volunteers periodically offer organs and organ parts to "re-home."
Estey is unique in that anyone who visits is turned into an instant musician. Museum hosts tell all visitors - adults and children alike - "please touch: sit down and play! Make the reed and pipe organs come alive again." Visitors can even walk through a pipe organ to see how the mechanism works.
In addition to the organs, the museum has a significant collection of music sheets, instructional books for amateur organists, catalogs, trade cards, and advertising materials published by the company.
A series of photographs of company employees at work taken by renowned documentary photographer Clemens Kalischer in the 1950s graces one of the walls of the media room. This is where visitors can also watch an introductory video about the Company, produced with assistance from project consultant and EOM board member Sally Seymour and narrated by EOM president Dennis Waring.
The museum, 108 Birge St. rear (off Canal Street), will be open Saturday afternoons from 2 to 4 p.m., May 18 through Oct. 12. Admission is free to members and $5 for nonmembers. Guests are urged to allow at least half an hour for their visit - there is a lot to see.
Special off-hour visits can sometimes be accommodated for those unable to visit during regular open hours. Contact the museum at [email protected], preferably at least two weeks in advance.
For further information about the museum and Estey Organ Company, visit esteyorganmuseum.org.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.