Organ

Title

Organ

Alternative Title

David Tannenberg Organ

Creator

Tannenberg, David, 1728-1804

Publisher

Bethlehem Digital History Project

Date

1776

Type

Still image

Format

image/jpeg

Description

This instrument was made by David Tannenberg in Lititz, Pennsylvania for the chapel of the Single Brothers' House, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. David Tannenberg has been called the most important organ builder in 18th century America. He lived and worked in the Moravian communities of Bethlehem, Nazareth and Lititz, and he built organs for Moravian, Lutheran and Reformed congregations. Nine Tannenberg organs still survive.

On July 25, 1782, General George Washington paid an unexpected visit to Bethlehem. The Moravian records note that he was taken to the chapel of the Single Brothers' House, provided with refreshment, and entertained with music played on the this very organ.

Around 1920, this Tanneberg organ was brought to the Whitfield House in Nazareth, PA, where remains on display to this date. The organ is still in playable and largely in its original condition. It was restored in 1997 by R.J. Brunner &
Co.

Construction materials include white pine, maple, walnut, white cedar, cedar, ebony, fruitwood, ivory, leather, and metal. From the collection of the Moravian Historical Society, Nazareth, Pennsylvania.

Subject

Organ (Musical instrument)--Pennsylvania--Lititz
Organ (Musical instrument)--History--18th century

Identifier

MHS 0729

Place

Lititz, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Rights Holder

Moravian Historical Society, Nazareth, Pennsylvania

Rights

For all inquiries regarding rights and usage, please contact the Moravian Historical Society, Nazareth, Pennsylvania.