Reimagined organization brings a full slate of performing arts programming to Wilmington’s Memorial Hall
WILMINGTON, VT — Friends of Historic Memorial Hall, the nonprofit dedicated to making Memorial Hall the performing arts home of the Deerfield Valley, today announced a new brand identity and its inaugural 2026 programming season — marking a relaunch that’s generated real excitement across the Valley.
The organization has refreshed its visual identity, restructured its board, and adopted new bylaws, signaling a reinvigorated commitment to keeping Memorial Hall active and programming it consistently. The goal is to make the Hall the kind of place where something is always happening — new work on the stage, new artists in the Valley, and new reasons for the community to gather.
“The Valley already has an amazing community of artists — painters, sculptors, jewelers, mixed media artists. They have real homes here dedicated to their work,” said Ian Campbell, Board Chair. “Our goal is to give the performing arts — music, theater, dance, spoken word — the same kind of home. There’s so much talent in this area that we can bring to the stage, and we’re excited to see it come together.”
A Full 2026 Season
Friends of Historic Memorial Hall will present a six-event 2026 season at Memorial Hall, 14 West Main Street in Wilmington:
- Season Preview — May 21
- Songwriter Showcase — July 9
- 1776 — July 24–August 1
- Rooted — August 25
- Friends Gala — October 10
- The Holiday Concert — December 10
The season spans original productions, live music, and community celebrations — a mix that reflects both the breadth of what Memorial Hall can hold and the organization’s commitment to bringing varied, high-quality performing arts to the Valley year-round.
Bringing the Performing Arts to Kids in the Valley
Alongside its marquee season, Friends of Historic Memorial Hall is launching a new monthly kids series featuring live performers bringing classic fables to life on stage. The series is designed to reach a broad range of ages, with multiple performers giving voice to beloved characters from stories kids already know — and some they’re about to discover.
“Live storytelling was the original theater — long before anyone ever wrote a play down, performers were bringing stories to life in front of crowds,” said Campbell. “This series gives kids in the Valley the chance to hear great stories in a new way, experience live theater — maybe for the first time — and maybe even find themselves on stage or behind the scenes working with lights, sound, and the rest of what makes a production happen.”
More details on the series, including dates and titles, will be announced in the coming months.
Get Involved
Friends of Historic Memorial Hall will have a table at the Wilmington Chamber’s annual Beer & Chili Stroll on March 27. Stop by to learn more, pick up a season preview, and sign up as a Sustaining Member. Sustaining Memberships start at $100 annually and directly support programming at the Hall.
For more information, visit friendsofthehallvt.org or email boardchair@friendsofthehallvt.org.
Friends of Historic Memorial Hall is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to Memorial Hall and the performing arts and cultural life of the Deerfield Valley. EIN: 46-3725535.