Atlantic City's hidden gem

In Atlantic City, New Jersey, Boardwalk Hall isn’t just where this year’s Miss America Pageant is, it’s also the home of a hidden gem, the world’s largest pipe organ.

This organ is the world's largest instruments. However, only about 25% of the organ is functional.

The Historic Restoration Committee is currently 2 years into a 10 year, $16 million campaign with a goal to make the organ fully functional by 2023.

“It’s about 150 tons of material. So if you can imagine, oh, I would say maybe 50 semi-trailers full of equipment, that’s how much stuff is here,” Organist, Dr. Steven Ball stated.

Ball is also the Director of out-reach at Boardwalk Hall and has loved the organ since his childhood.

“I do remember the first time I played a pipe organ was when I was 6 years old and it was the Parish Church that I was attending in Michigan,” Ball stated.

He also has a Doctoral degree in organ performance, “There’s something endlessly fascinating about the depth of sound and the complexity of sound.”

If you would like to hear the organ yourself, you can on weekdays from May – October where there is a free recital and tour at noon.

There also is a free, all year round, extended tour starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays for two full hours.

To donate or help restore the organ, please visit: BoardwalkHall.com. The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority will match up to $1 million in donations.