
History of the 1804 Tannenberg Organ
This magnificent organ was built by David Tannenberg (1728-1804), a Pennsylvania German organ maker from Lititz, Lancaster County. The organ was commissioned by Christ Lutheran Church of York. During installation of the organ, Tannenberg tragically had a stroke, fell from the scaffolding, and died shortly after. The installation was completed, and the organ was first played at his funeral.
In 1945 Christ Lutheran Church donated the organ to the Historical Society of York County. It was restored and installed in the Historical Society on East Market Street in 1959 and featured in community concerts for many decades. As part of the plan to move to a new facility on North Pershing Avenue, the York County History Center launched a donation campaign to raise funds to restore the organ to its original condition. Brunner & Associates was hired, dissembled the organ, and moved it to their shop in Lancaster in 2022. After two and a half years of detailed restoration work, the Tannenberg Organ was installed in the History Center third floor multipurpose room in March 2025.
Our Organ Concert Series begins June 13, check back soon for additional concerts.

Tannenberg Organ Recital
Get ready for a musical journey through time! On Friday, June 13, organist Philip T. D. Cooper will breathe life into the historic 1804 David Tannenberg organ.
Support York's Music History
The York County History Center is grateful to the Wyncote Foundation and many generous donors who raised over $270,000 in the 2018-2021 campaign.
Tannenberg Organ Fund
New contributions to the Tannenberg Organ Fund will help to cover costs of recent restoration work, as well as regular tuning and maintenance. Thank you for keeping the music playing at the History Center!