Restore a National Treasure: The Wonder Morton Organ

Goals

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$5,160.90 of $15,000

Help us raise $15,000 to continue restoring the house left chamber, which is nearing completion.

Help restore the "Voice of the United Palace"

In 1930, there were approximately 12,000 theatre organs in the United States. Today, only a few hundred remain, with fewer than 30 still in their original location and condition. The Robert-Morton Wonder Organ in the United Palace is the last one of its kind in the United States still in its original venue and one of the last remaining all-original theatre organs in the world.

The New York Theatre Organ Society, led by Nick Myers, began restoration of the house left organ chamber in 2016 following years of water damage and fire.

At the end of 2025, with $30,000 in donations from organ enthusiasts, we were able to play the first two ranks of restored pipes in the house left chamber for the first time in years. It will take several more years to complete the house right chamber and console. But with continued support (and a little luck) we could finish the house left chamber completely in 2026.

During this restoration effort, we have continued to feature live organ music as accompaniment to silent movies, such as “Nosferatu” in 2022, and a mini-festival of silent film shorts starring Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, and Buster Keaton in 1924. The United Palace is dedicated to restoring this one-of-a-kind instrument and continuing to feature it in supporting and headlining roles as part of our programming.

Please give today. Your continued generosity will ensure this historic instrument can inspire and educate future generations.

The United Palace for Arts and Culture, Inc. (UPAC) is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3 ) organization, EIN: 92-1790740. All contributions to UPAC are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. As part of UPAC's mission, it secures essential funding for capital improvements to the United Palace and for arts and community programs overseen by other non-profit entities located within the United Palace.

$50 One-Time

Your name on our organ donor plaque in the house left organ chamber when it is fully restored.

$100 One-Time

Invitation to a party with other organ donors before our next silent movie screening (expected late 2026 or early 2027) and the $50 perk.

$250 One-Time

2 tickets to all Movies at the Palace through 2026, the $50 and $100 perks.

$500 One-Time

A private, behind-the-scenes tour of the United Palace by CEO Mike Fitelson, the $50, $100, and $250 perks.

$1,000 One-Time

A private take-out dinner for two in the VIP Lounge and the $50, $100, $250, and $500 perks.

$2,500 One-Time

A private screening of a movie of your choice (within reason) with a bunch of your friends in the United Palace and the $50, $100, $250, $500, and $1,000 perks

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