Friends of Historic Memorial Hall promotes the arts in the Valley.
We foster a vibrant cultural life in the Deerfield Valley region by producing events, hosting performances, supporting local and touring artists, and advocating for the preservation and community use of Wilmington’s Historic Memorial Hall.
Our work has two parts that go hand-in-hand: preserving Memorial Hall and bringing arts and cultural experiences to our community. When the building is loved and used, it’s worth investing in. And when the arts are thriving here, our community thrives too.
Our Vision
We envision Memorial Hall as the cultural heart of the Deerfield Valley: a welcoming, well-cared-for home for performances and community events; a stage for local talent; a destination for touring artists; and a gathering place that strengthens connection, belonging, and civic life across our region.
Our Values
Community-first
We exist to serve the people who live, work, and gather here. We listen closely, build programs with our community, and aim to make Memorial Hall feel like it belongs to everyone.
Welcoming and inclusive
We believe the arts are for all of us. We work to reduce barriers to participation and create experiences that invite people in—whether they’re lifelong residents, new neighbors, second homeowners, or visitors discovering the Valley.
Stewardship with integrity
Memorial Hall is a historic community asset. We approach preservation and operations with care, transparency, and practical responsibility—balancing long-term sustainability with today’s needs.
Artistic vitality
A thriving arts scene enriches daily life and strengthens community. We champion creativity in many forms, support artists at different stages of their careers, and value programming that is high-quality, engaging, and locally meaningful.
Partnership and collaboration
In a small region, collaboration is how big things happen. We build relationships with the Town of Wilmington, schools, community organizations, artists, and businesses to strengthen what Memorial Hall can offer.
Optimism and momentum
We believe in what’s possible here. We’re building toward a future where Memorial Hall is not only preserved, but actively used—alive with events, energy, and shared experiences.
Our Strategy
Friends of Historic Memorial Hall is rebuilding with a clear goal: to sustain Memorial Hall as an active cultural hubby aligning programming, partnerships, and preservation in a way that is practical, community-centered, and fundable.
Our strategy focuses on four connected areas:
1) Keep Memorial Hall active through consistent programming
A historic venue stays healthy when it’s used and valued. We work to maintain a steady rhythm of events and cultural activity—produced by Friends, presented in partnership, or hosted for community groups. Our programming aims to be:
- Varied (music, theater, film, talks, family programs, community events)
- High-quality (well-produced experiences that build trust and attendance)
- Balanced (local voices alongside regional and touring artists)
- Accessible (pricing and outreach that welcomes participation)
Over time, consistent programming builds audience habits, attracts new supporters, and strengthens the case for investment in The Hall.
2) Strengthen capacity through partnerships
Friends is committed to collaboration as a core operating model. We work to establish clear, reliable partnerships that support:
- Shared use and scheduling of the building
- Co-presented programs and community series
- Visiting artist opportunities and local creative development
- Cross-promotion and coordinated regional cultural calendars
Partnerships help expand impact while keeping our organization lean and sustainable.
3) Advocate and support preservation as an ongoing practice
Preservation is not a one-time project—it’s long-term stewardship. We support preservation and building health by helping to:
- Build public awareness of what Memorial Hall needs and why it matters
- Support fundraising efforts tied to critical maintenance and improvements
- Encourage responsible planning for upgrades that improve usability (safety, access, comfort, and performance capability)
- Align capital needs with realistic operating plans
Our goal is to help ensure Memorial Hall remains safe, functional, and ready to host a broad range of events.
4) Grow financial sustainability through diversified support
We are building a funding model that can carry Memorial Hall’s cultural role forward. That includes a thoughtful blend of:
- Individual giving (annual gifts and appeals)
- Membership support (a community-centered base of recurring supporters)
- Business sponsorship (aligned with local visibility and regional vitality)
- Grants and foundation support (program and capacity funding, and—when appropriate—capital support)
- Earned revenue (ticketing and event income where feasible)
We aim to be responsible and transparent about what our funding supports: mission-driven programming, preservation advocacy, and the capacity needed to coordinate partnerships and keep The Hall active.
Friends of Historic Memorial Hall is building the capacity to ensure this landmark remains a vibrant, welcoming hub for the performing arts – rooted in history, and fully alive in the present.
What Success Looks Like
Over the next several years, we’re working toward outcomes that are clear, measurable, and meaningful:
- A consistent calendar of cultural programming that builds repeat attendance
- More artists and community groups using Memorial Hall with positive experiences
- Growing community support through membership and individual giving
- Stronger partnerships that increase regional arts opportunity without duplicating efforts
- Improved building readiness over time—so The Hall is easier to use, more accessible, and more sustainable to maintain
- A clear, trusted role for Friends as a connector and steward in the Deerfield Valley’s cultural landscape
Why This Matters
In rural communities, cultural spaces are not “extra.” They are critical infrastructure for connection, creativity, and resilience. When Memorial Hall is active and cared for, it supports:
- Community belonging and civic life
- Economic vitality through visitors and downtown activity
- Youth and family experiences that make people proud of where they live
- A stronger region that can attract and retain residents, workers, and small businesses
Join Us
If you care about the future of Memorial Hall—or you simply want to live in a community where the arts are alive and accessible—you’re already part of the story.
There are many ways to get involved: