As World War II drew men into military service, women didn’t just stay behind—they stepped forward, filling factory positions traditionally held by men.
One of the most remarkable examples of women’s wartime contributions came from an unexpected place: the Steinway & Son’s piano factory, where pianos built by women were shipped to active war zones, delivering music, comfort, and a sense of home to soldiers overseas. Join Victory Verticals expert Jordan Cook as she explores how these women, through their collective craftsmanship, helped sustain troop morale during a time of profound uncertainty.
This program is part of the temporary Victory Verticals exhibit, highlighting the little-known story of the Steinway & Sons portable upright pianos that were specially built during World War II to boost morale for soldiers on the front line through live music.
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Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
This event is FREE for Members and included with general admission.
About Jordan Cook
Jordan Cook is a piano rebuilder who specializes in the restoration of pianos with extraordinary histories. She is one of few technicians actively restoring World War II-era Steinway Victory Verticals—compact pianos dropped into war zones to uplift troops. Among her most meaningful projects is the completion of Colonel George Boucher’s unfinished Victory Vertical, a restoration that honored both the man and the music he left behind.
Explore her work at arukahpiano.com
