Silent Night Museum
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"Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!" can easily be called the world's best-loved Christmas carol. It has been translated into nearly 300 languages and dialects. Its message of heavenly peace sets the theme for Christmas celebrations around the globe.

When Fr. Joseph Mohr visited his friend, Franz Gruber, on December 24, 1818, it was a moment that would give meaning to Christmas celebrations for the next two centuries.

Born into poverty in the city of Salzburg, he died in poverty in Wagrain having given his earthly belongings for eldercare and the education of the youth in his parish. The name of this poet-priest now appears in hymn books throughout the world.

Born in Hochburg, Upper Austria, the son of a weaver rebelled against following his father into the same trade. He secretly took music lessons until he was able to replace his teacher at Sunday services. An accomplished musician, he wrote dozens of Masses and hundreds of hymns. Many are still sung in Austria today.

The organ builder travelled the mountains, valleys and river plains of Austria designing, building and repairing organs. When he visited St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, he left with a song that would be heard around the world. It is not known if he was given a copy or found one on the organ and copied the melody. He had it with him when he returned to his home in the Ziller Valley, not too far from Innsbruck.

These two families carried what they called "A Tirolean Folksong" to the cathedrals and royal courts of Europe. Eventually one of the families reached the shores of America with their music. Thus the words of Joseph Mohr and the music of Franz Gruber began a journey around the world.

Silent Night's message of heavenly peace has reached out to soldiers on the frontlines of freedom in more than one war. Here you will read accounts of people who were far from home on Christmas Eve.