BRATTLEBORO-The Estey Organ Museum opens for the season, at 108 Birge St. Saturday, May 3. "Exquisitely crafted instruments, made in Brattleboro. That's what you can see, hear, and even play when you visit," organizers wrote in a news release.
Board members the Rev. Craig L. Cowing and Allen Myers will be restoring Estey's 100,000th organ, made in 1881; visitors will be able to see the organ as work progresses. Also, thanks to Board President George Wiese, they have a new floor plan, rearranged to tell the Estey story in chronological order.
Two other displays created by Rev. Cowing in 2024 can still be viewed. A cutaway reed organ shows how the instrument works, and patterns mounted on the wall demonstrate how employees cut out elements and decorations for the organ cases.
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." This year, the museum is embarking on an "Organs in the Community" project - keep your eyes open for Estey organs placed around town.
The museum "is unique in that anyone who visits is turned into an instant musician," say organizers. Museum hosts tell all visitors - adults and children alike - "please touch: sit down and play! Make the reed and pipe organs come alive again."
The museum also holds a significant collection of sheet music, instructional books, catalogs, trade cards, and advertising materials. In the media room, visitors can watch an introductory video about the Company, produced with assistance from EOM treasurer Sally Seymour and narrated by Dennis Waring, an EOM Board member.
The museum will be open Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4 p.m., May 3 through Oct. 26. Special off-hour visits can sometimes be accommodated for those unable to visit during regular open hours. Staff suggest a half-hour for a visit. Contact the museum at [email protected], preferably at least two weeks in advance.
Parking and the museum entrance are in the back, off Canal Street. Admission is free for members, with a $10 donation amount suggested for non-member adults. The museum is accessible, and parking is free.
For further information about the museum and Estey Organ Company, visit esteyorganmuseum.org.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.