MORRISTOWN, NJ.- The Morris Museum today announced the gift of a Stella Orchestral Grand Disc Musical Box by owner, Ethel Schaal of Pittstown, New Jersey.

The Stella Orchestral Grand Disc Musical Box was manufactured in about 1900 by the Mermod Frères Musical Box Company, of Ste. Croix, Switzerland. Situated in the Jura mountains, north of Geneva, this region borders France and was considered the ‘heart’ of the musical box industry throughout the Nineteenth century. Standing over seven feet tall, the musical box plays nearly 26” diameter metal discs, featuring a wide array of selections including classical, popular, folk and patriotic music. The upright disk player enhances the Museum's significant Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata.

The Stella Orchestral Grand Disc Musical Box was acquired by Mrs. Schaal's father in 1928 from a neighbor. It remained in the Schaal family until it was formally presented to the Morris Museum at the Annual Guinness Guide Gathering. This year's event recognized dedicated volunteers and honored Mrs. Schaal and her family for this gracious donation.

Following conservation, the work is now on view in the Museum’s Murtogh D. Guinness Gallery of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata. Demonstrations featuring the rich melodies from this instrument and others, can be heard daily at 2:00PM.

“We are deeply honored by this most generous gift from the Schaal family” said Michele Marinelli, Curator of the Guinness Collection. "We are delighted to include this marvelous music box in our daily demonstrations of mechanical musical instruments and automata."

In 2003, the Morris Museum was awarded the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of 750 historic mechanical musical instruments and automata (mechanical figures) and more than 5,000 programmed media, ranging from player piano rolls to pinned cylinders. As one of the most significant collections of its kind in the world, highlights of the collection are displayed in a spectacular 4,300 square foot permanent exhibition Musical Machines & Living Dolls: Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata from the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection. This interactive exhibition features more than 150 pieces from this extraordinary collection and takes visitors on a journey through the history of on-demand musical entertainment. Viewable storage provides visitors with broader access to the balance of the collection.