Step back in time this December with the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) as it brings history to life through free demonstrations of its restored 1925 Aeolian player pipe organ. These sessions, held Wednesday through Sunday at 11 a.m., offer a unique opportunity to explore how the rapid modernization of the 1920s shaped holiday traditions and the cultural fabric of the era.

Housed in its original location at 520 Royal Street, the Aeolian pipe organ is a marvel of early 20th-century technology. Installed by tobacco magnate William Ratcliffe Irby in 1918 as part of his opulent French Quarter residence, this instrument represents a bygone era of luxury and innovation. Thanks to meticulous restoration work by the Holtkamp Organ Company, the organ now serves as both a historical artifact and a functioning musical masterpiece.

These demonstrations showcase the organ’s intricate mechanics and rich soundscapes, bringing history to life for modern audiences. Guests can learn about the instrument’s role in affluent households of the 1920s and its significance in the evolution of musical technology.

The program also serves as a delightful prelude to the Creole Christmas Holiday Home Tour, which runs December 27–29. Organized by the Friends of the Cabildo, the tour highlights historic French Quarter properties adorned with festive holiday decor. The organ demonstrations at HNOC provide an added layer of cultural enrichment for attendees.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, music lover or holiday reveler, this free program offers a rare glimpse into the past while celebrating the enduring spirit of New Orleans.

For more details, visit hnoc.org.