About Us

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The vision of TOSDV is to be the premier organization to preserve the unique sound and appreciation of the theatre pipe organ as an art form to current audiences and introduce it to new generations of all ages in the Delaware Valley. 

1. To provide care for the chapter’s instruments including normal maintenance and pre-event tuning; 
2. To offer public presentations of theatre pipe organ music; 
3. To invite “hands-on’ interaction with the chapter’s organs; 
4. To work with various area communities to provide additional musical offerings; 
5. To educate the public on the rich traditions of the theatre pipe organ. 

First organized on July 31, 1955 under the name “Eastern Chapter” of the American Association of Theater Organ Enthusiasts, now known as the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS), the organization still holds chapter No. 2 in the national organization. Throughout its 64 year history, the Delaware Valley Chapter, now officially designated as the Theatre Organ Society of the Delaware Valley, has engaged in numerous activities and projects aimed toward both the preservation and presentation of the theatre organ instrument. 

In the early years the chapter’s territory involved a vast area as its name “Eastern Chapter” implies. As the national organization grew, the Eastern chapter was unable to accommodate a membership that spread over such a very wide area. Consequently, the chapter was instrumental in the birth of numerous new chapters in Southeast New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. 

Due to the chapter’s efforts, many fine theatre organs have been rescued from destruction and are now being enjoyed by enthusiastic audiences. With the preservation and restoration of these instruments, many of the world’s finest theatre organist have been able to keep this art alive. As a result, there has been a re-awakening of the musical art form among many younger musicians 

The Theatre Organ Society of the Delaware Valley presently owns and maintains two instruments. In the early 1960s it began to restore a three manual Moller theatre pipe organ in the Sedgwick Theatre in Philadelphia. The chapter purchased the instrument when the theatre closed and installed it in the Keswick Theatre in Glenside , PA. In its present location the instrument has been used to present numerous concerts and programs through the years. As a result of its age, the organ is presently going through restoration. 

.In August 2003, TOSDV became the owner of a three manual, 23 rank Wurlitzer theater pipe organ. The organ was completely restored, increased to 24 ranks and installed in the Colonial Theater in Phoenixville, PA. 

TOSDV’s annual programming schedule presently includes three silent movies with organ accompaniment, three all music concerts featuring some of the finest organists on the circuit, and one holiday concert. The chapter is enthusiastically supported by both theaters and with the cooperation and the support of its members, TOSDV hopes to keep this art form alive and well into the future.