Organ Historical Society
| Abbreviation | OHS |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1956 |
| Headquarters | Richmond, Virginia |
| Website | www |
The Organ Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization primarily composed of pipe organ enthusiasts interested in the instrument's design, construction, conservation and use in musical performance. The main activities of the Society include promoting an active interest in the organ and its builders, particularly those in North America, through publishing efforts, national conventions, and preservation of library and archival materials. The Society also actively works to encourage the historic preservation and integrity of noteworthy instruments. Members consider organs in their larger context, and their audiences, builders, case designs, construction, geographical distribution, history, marketing, physical attributes, sound, and voicing receive the emphasis of attention. The society is a ready resource for nonmembers seeking to discover the significance and potential avenues of restoration for instruments in their care. Formed in 1956, the headquarters, currently in Richmond, Virginia, is expected to move to Villanova, Pennsylvania in 2017.
The Organ Historical Society (OHS) Library and Archives, located at the Talbott Library of the Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey, is the largest repository of organ research materials in the world. It is maintained by the Organ Historical Society with the assistance of the staff at Talbott Library, and directed by a Board of Governors, supported by a Friends of the OHS Library and Archives organization. Access is available by appointment with the Archivist. The Archives are expected to move to Villanova, Pennsylvania in 2017.
Included in the collection are:
Additionally, the OHS Library and Archives retains a records and documentation storage facility in Enfield, New Hampshire, containing thousands of cubic yards of business records and other documentation from American organ builders.
The Society maintains an extensive online database of historic organs covering all organs that exist or have existed in installations within the geographical boundaries of the United States and all organs that have been built in North America, whether they are installed within its boundaries or in other locations. As of 2015[update], there are 53,981 database entries, 16,021 photos and 12,372 stoplists. The database manager actively solicits information to update and improve entries.
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