HIDA organ database in the Evangelical Church in Central Germany

Organs are among the most significant cultural assets of church parishes. Their proper maintenance requires reliable and up-to-date information. The HIDA organ database of the Evangelical Church in Central Germany provides a central foundation for this. The presentation begins by addressing the question of what organ-related data is required for church administration and specialist consultancy, and what information can actually be recorded – ranging from construction history, stop list and technical specifications to condition and restoration data.

It will then outline the development of the database: which sources were analysed, how was the data collated, and what challenges arose when cataloguing a large and diverse collection of organs? A further focus is on the practical use of the database, particularly when entering new records and the ongoing maintenance and updating of existing information.

Finally, prospects for further use are outlined. This covers both specialist applications for organ experts, church musicians, heritage conservationists and researchers, as well as opportunities to make organ-related knowledge accessible to parishes and the interested public.