Organ Historical Society

Organ Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and documentation of historic pipe organs, with a focus on instruments in the United States. Founded in 1956 by a group of organists, including William H. Barnes, Stephen Pinel, and Charles Callahan, the society has grown to become a leading authority on organ history and organ preservation. The society's efforts have been recognized by organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Institute of Architects. Members of the society include renowned organists such as Diane Bish, Virgil Fox, and E. Power Biggs.

● History

The Organ Historical Society was established in 1956, with the goal of documenting and preserving historic pipe organs in the United States. The society's early efforts were focused on creating a comprehensive catalog of historic organs, which led to the development of the Pipe Organ Database. The society's founders, including William H. Barnes and Stephen Pinel, were instrumental in shaping the organization's mission and objectives, which have been influenced by the work of organ builders such as Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company and Ernest M. Skinner. The society has also been influenced by the work of other organizations, such as the American Guild of Organists and the Incorporated Society of Musicians. Notable organists, including Marcel Dupré and Louis-Claude Daquin, have also contributed to the society's efforts.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The Organ Historical Society's mission is to preserve and document historic pipe organs, and to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of organ history and organ culture. The society's objectives include the creation of a comprehensive Pipe Organ Database, as well as the publication of books and journals on organ history and organ preservation. The society also aims to provide education and training for organists, organ builders, and other professionals in the field, through partnerships with organizations such as the University of Michigan and the Eastman School of Music. The society's efforts have been recognized by awards such as the National Preservation Award and the American Institute of Architects' AIA Honor Award. The society has also collaborated with other organizations, including the National Park Service and the Library of Congress.

● Publications

The Organ Historical Society publishes a number of books and journals on organ history and organ preservation, including the Journal of the Organ Historical Society and The Tracker. The society's publications have been recognized for their excellence, with awards such as the American Musicological Society's Otto Kinkeldey Award and the Society for American Music's Irving Lowens Award. The society's publications have also been praised by organists such as Simon Preston and Thomas Murray, and have been influential in shaping the field of organ studies. The society has also published works on notable organ builders, including C.B. Fisk and John Brombaugh. Additionally, the society has published books on the history of organ music, including works by Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel.

● Conventions_and_Events

The Organ Historical Society hosts a number of conventions and events throughout the year, including the annual Organ Historical Society Convention, which features organ recitals, organ workshops, and organ tours. The society's conventions have been held in a variety of locations, including New York City, Boston, and Chicago, and have featured performances by renowned organists such as Olivier Latry and Gillian Weir. The society also hosts smaller events, such as organ dedication ceremonies and organ anniversary celebrations, which are often held in partnership with other organizations, such as the American Guild of Organists and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The society has also collaborated with other organizations, including the International Society of Organbuilders and the Organ Historical Society of Australia.

● Pipe_Organ_Database

The Organ Historical Society's Pipe Organ Database is a comprehensive online catalog of historic pipe organs in the United States and Canada. The database includes information on over 10,000 organs, including organ specifications, organ history, and organ photos. The database is maintained by a team of volunteers and staff, and is updated regularly with new information and organ listings. The database has been recognized as a valuable resource for organists, organ builders, and other professionals in the field, and has been praised by organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Institute of Architects. The database also includes information on notable organ builders, including Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company and Ernest M. Skinner, and has been influential in shaping the field of organ studies. The society has also collaborated with other organizations, including the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration, to develop the database. Category:Organizations