Hudson Hall (arts organization) facts for kids
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| Formation | 1992 |
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| Headquarters | 327 Warren St., Hudson, NY |
Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House is a special place in Hudson, New York. It's a center for arts and culture that hosts many events all year long. This amazing building was built in 1855. It first served as Hudson's city hall. Today, it is New York's oldest theater still standing. It's a very important part of the city's lively community.
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History of Hudson Hall
The building was designed by Peter H. Avery, a local architect. It was built in 1855 at 327 Warren Street. This grand building was Hudson's first city hall. It had a large public space with about 400 seats. It could hold up to 2,000 people in total.
As a city hall, it housed many important services. These included the post office and the First National Bank of Hudson. It also had the Franklin Library. The building was used for lectures and art shows too. Around 1880, many town halls in America changed their names. They wanted to be called "Opera House" to be like the famous Paris Opera house. That's how the Hudson Opera House got its name.
The building was big enough to handle government work. At the same time, it hosted many different events. These included traveling lectures and musical shows. Local events like dances, parties, and graduations also took place there. The second floor of the opera house was a special place. It was where people of all backgrounds could meet.
In 1962, the city hall moved to a new location. The Hudson Opera House then became a local Moose Lodge. Later, it was sold to a developer from out of town. After that, the building was left empty and started to fall apart.
A group of people who cared about the building decided to help. In 1992, they formed a non-profit group. It was called Hudson Opera House, Inc. Their goal was to bring the building back to life. They wanted it to be used by the community again. In 1996, the group started a fundraising effort. They raised money to open the first restored room. This was the West Room, which opened in December 1997. Since then, they have raised enough money to fix five more rooms. These rooms on the first floor now host many cultural events.
Bringing the Building Back to Life
In December 1997, the Hudson Opera House, Inc. finished restoring the West Room. This room is on the first floor. It got new floors, a new ceiling, and a fresh coat of paint. Today, it is often used for concerts, talks, and community gatherings.
In March 2001, the Center Hall Gallery reopened. It had new stairs and restrooms. This area is now used for art shows, parties, and workshops. In September of that year, the Workshop Room also reopened. In 2002, the front of the building and the East Room Steps were fixed. The front was made to look like it did when it was first built. The old East Room Steps were removed and new ones were put in.
The East Room Offices were restored in 2003. The Center Door was fixed in 2004. In 2008, Hudson Opera House got a new roof. They also restored the beautiful 1855 decorations on all four sides of the building.
In 2016, a big project began. They started restoring the historic performance hall upstairs. This was the largest and most challenging restoration yet. It cost $8.5 million. The money came from many sources. These included grants from the state and federal government. Private sponsors and the Hudson Opera House Board also helped.
The inside of the theater was made into a professional venue. It can now host many different shows and events. The stage, performance hall, and mezzanine were all fixed. A new lighting and sound booth was added. Other areas like dressing rooms and restrooms were also improved. They made sure to keep the building's historic look. This included the arch over the stage and the sloped wooden floor.
The opera house was also updated for modern times. A new elevator was installed. This means everyone can now reach the performance hall. This is the first time in over 160 years that it is fully accessible. They also removed harmful materials like lead and asbestos. New electrical, fire safety, and heating/cooling systems were put in. Outside, the brickwork, windows, and doors were restored. A new roof was installed, and the building's decorative trim was fixed.
The Hudson Opera House was renamed "Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House." It reopened on April 22, 2017.
Events and Activities
Hudson Hall hosts many exciting events for all ages. You can enjoy live music, dance, and theater shows. There are also readings, lectures, and workshops. Kids can join in youth activities. Plus, there are always interesting art exhibitions.
In the winter, Hudson Hall puts on a big event called Winter Walk. It's the largest tourism event in Hudson. In 2021, it celebrated its 25th year! During Winter Walk, people walk through Hudson's main street. They enjoy music, dance, street performers, and visit local shops and restaurants.
Throughout the year, Hudson Hall offers workshops. You can learn how to draw, paint, or dance. They have Shakespeare plays made for kids. They also host hip-hop dance events. Hudson Hall works hard to create a fun, family-friendly place. It is open all year. It's a great place for art and learning in the Hudson Valley.
Famous Visitors to Hudson Hall
Many important people have visited Hudson Hall over the years.
- 1855, 1866: Henry Ward Beecher, a famous speaker and minister.
- 1855, 1859, 1894: Susan B. Anthony, a leader who fought for equal rights.
- 1866: Marietta Gazzaniga, an Italian opera singer.
- 1866: Ralph Waldo Emerson, a well-known writer.
- 1868 (twice), 1871, 1874: Blind Tom Wiggins, a musical genius.
- 1874: Carl Schurz, a US Senator.
- 1878: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, another leader for equal rights.
- 1894, 1898: Anna Howard Shaw, a leader for women's right to vote.
- 1929: Clarence Darrow, a famous lawyer.
