Organs can tell you more about the history of the city or the village. Especially old organs have interesting decorations. You will see carvings, statues and decorations. You can often read the names and dates of the organ builder and sometimes also of the people who paid for the organ. Over time, an old organ has sometimes been expanded with new stops. Each part tells something about how the organ was used in different times. For congregational singing or for concerts. Or as a precious jewel to impress visitors with.

Look and see

  • Let children look to the organ en draw it. Pay attention to special elements.
  • Ask them to select one specific ornament en draw it more in detail.

Why this organ in this town?

How did the organ come to this town? What was the main reason to buy it? And who paid for it? Was it the church congregation, the city counsel, or maybe a wealthy landowner?

  • Tell more about the history of this organ. When was it built? Who was the organ builder?
  • Discuss about things children want to know more about (city history, church history, important people).
  • Create a poster together, with all the information, pictures and drawings made by the children.