We bring the arts to the Deerfield Valley
Friends of Historic Memorial Hall is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping Memorial Hall active, cared for, and full of life—today and for generations to come. We believe The Hall is more than a historic building. It’s a place where people gather, create, celebrate, and feel connected to the Deerfield Valley through the arts.
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 Mission
Friends of Historic Memorial Hall promotes the arts and fosters 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 Vision
We envision Memorial Hall as the cultural heart of the Deerfield Valley: a home for performances and community events, a stage for local talent, a welcoming destination for touring artists, and a gathering space that strengthens the social fabric of our region.
Why Memorial Hall Matters
For over a century, Memorial Hall has been a central gathering place in Wilmington—hosting performances, meetings, celebrations, films, and community events. It’s a landmark with a deep history, but what matters most is what it can be right now: a welcoming, high-quality space where people of all ages come together to experience something meaningful.
We see Memorial Hall as a shared community asset—one that deserves thoughtful stewardship, practical investment, and a clear vision for how it can serve the Valley in the years ahead.
What We Do
We present arts and cultural programming
We partner with local, regional, and touring artists to bring a mix of music, theater, film, talks, and special events to Memorial Hall. Some programs we produce ourselves; others happen through partnerships with community groups and presenters. Either way, our goal is the same: make The Hall a place where something is always happening—and everyone feels welcome.
We support the preservation and long-term health of The Hall
A historic building stays healthy when it’s cared for consistently. We advocate for responsible preservation and help rally the community around the investments needed to keep Memorial Hall safe, functional, and beautiful—so it can remain a vibrant home for the arts and community use.
We build partnerships that strengthen the Valley
We believe collaboration is how small communities do big things. We work alongside the Town of Wilmington, local organizations, schools, businesses, and cultural partners to expand what’s possible at Memorial Hall and to support a thriving arts ecosystem across the Deerfield Valley.
How We Work
Friends of Historic Memorial Hall exists to serve the community. We aim to be:
- Warm and inclusive — approachable, welcoming, and accessible
- Trustworthy stewards — careful with resources, committed to long-term sustainability
- Community-first — listening, collaborating, and building programs that reflect the Valley
- Bold champions for the arts — confident that creativity and culture make life better here
We’re building a future where Memorial Hall is not only preserved, but used: a place that belongs to everyone, with doors open to artists, audiences, neighbors, visitors, and the next generation.
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:
Together, we can keep Memorial Hall vibrant, welcoming, and full of possibility.