Founded in 2002 by local restoration expert Ned Phoenix, the museum features a few dozen examples of Estey instruments, from the bellows-driven melodeon, or “lap organ,” that got Estey started in the business, to the pedal-powered reed (or pump) organs that made the company’s name, and the pipe organs that followed around the turn of the century. Ranging in size from miniature organs for children to a couple of thunderous beauties that tower high above the average tourist, the collection of the Estey Organ Museum celebrates the legacy of one of Vermont’s most significant products. “We’re probably the only musical instrument museum in the world that wants you to play the instruments,” says Barbara George, who owns eight of the slate-sided buildings - all listed on the National Register of Historic Places - in the former manufacturing complex. The sound of Estey’s historic organs lives on in a humble museum in the company’s old engine house on the edge of the factory yard, a short drive from Brattleboro’s Main Street.
But some were in beautiful condition.But by the 1960s, the factory complex he built was shuttered for good, driven out of business by changing tastes and electronics. “Some of them were just really - just trash, almost they were in such bad shape. probably the most important thing that ever happened to Brattleboro,” said historical society member John Carnahan, who was one of the members who began accepting the instruments more than 30 years ago.Ĭarnahan said it was the historical society’s duty to take in these relics of Brattleboro’s industrial past and, over time, the society collected more than 50 organs. The Brattleboro Historical Society began collecting old organs back in the 1980s, years before there was even an organ museum. So that's the point where we are now, I think.” “You know, you don't want to be spending money on storage when you could be spending money on programs and that kind of a thing. “We're only now maturing into realizing that it's also a responsibility that you want to be able to take care of them,” said George.
George said the museum is coming into its own and offering concerts and talks on the Estey legacy - but, like at any nonprofit, every penny counts. But as the warehouse filled up, George said it was time to make a change. George said for a very long time the museum would pretty much accept anything that had the name Estey Organs on it. So that's the point where we are now, I think." - Barbara George, volunteer at Estey Organ Museum "You don't want to be spending money on storage when you could be spending money on programs and that kind of a thing.
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