Hudson Hall (arts organization) facts for kids
 |
|
| Formation | 1992 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | 327 Warren St., Hudson, NY |
Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House is a special place in downtown Hudson, New York. It's an arts organization and a venue where many different events happen all year long. This building is very important to the community of Hudson. It was built in 1855 as Hudson's city hall and is the oldest theater still standing in New York State.
Contents
The Story of Hudson Hall
The building was designed by a local architect named Peter H. Avery. It was finished in 1855 at 327 Warren Street. This grand building was first used as Hudson's city hall. It had a large public space that could hold many people for meetings and events.
From City Hall to Opera House
When it was the city hall, the building was home to many important services. These included the post office, the Franklin Library, and the First National Bank of Hudson. It was also used for lectures and art shows. Around 1880, many town halls in America started changing their names to "Opera House." This was a popular trend inspired by the famous Paris Opera house.
So, the Hudson Opera House got its name. It was big enough to keep its government offices while also hosting many different events. People came for traveling lectures, music shows, and plays. Local events like dances, parties, and even graduations also took place here. The second floor was a place where everyone, no matter their background, could meet.
Saving a Historic Building
In 1962, the city hall moved to a new location. The Hudson Opera House building was then used by a local club called the Moose Lodge. Later, it was sold and left empty. The building started to fall apart.
A group of people who cared about the building decided to save it. In 1992, they created a non-profit group called Hudson Opera House, Inc. Their goal was to bring the building back to life for the community. In 1996, they started raising money. By December 1997, they had enough to open the first restored room, the West Room. Since then, they have raised more money to fix five more rooms on the first floor. These rooms are now used for many cultural events.
Bringing the Building Back to Life
The Hudson Opera House, Inc. worked hard to restore the building. In December 1997, they finished the West Room on the first floor. It got new floors, a new ceiling, and a fresh coat of paint. This room is now often used for concerts, talks, and community gatherings.
Key Restoration Projects
- March 2001: The Center Hall Gallery reopened. It had new stairs and restrooms. This space is used for art shows, parties, and workshops.
- September 2001: The Workshop Room was reopened.
- 2002: The Lower Façade (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.
- 2003: The East Room Offices were restored.
- 2004: The Center Door was restored.
- 2008: A new roof was put on, and the beautiful 1855 decorations on the outside of the building were repaired.
Major Renovation of the Performance Hall
In 2016, a big project began to restore the historic performance hall upstairs. This was the largest and most challenging restoration yet. It cost $8.5 million, with money coming from grants and donations.
The inside of the theater was completely updated. It became a professional venue for many types of shows and events. The stage, performance hall, and balcony were all fixed. A new lighting and sound booth was added. Dressing rooms and accessible restrooms were also restored. Workers made sure to keep the building's historic look, including the stage and its arch.
The opera house was also made modern and safe. A new elevator was installed, making the performance hall accessible to everyone for the first time in over 160 years. Old materials like lead and asbestos were safely removed. New electrical, fire safety, and heating/cooling systems were put in. Outside, the brickwork, windows, and doors were repaired. A new roof was installed, and the building's decorative trim was restored.
The Hudson Opera House was renamed "Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House." It officially reopened on April 22, 2017.
Events and Activities
Hudson Hall offers many exciting events and activities for people of all ages. You can enjoy live music, dance performances, and theater shows. There are also readings, lectures, workshops, and fun activities for kids. The hall hosts a variety of art exhibitions too.
Winter Walk Celebration
Every winter, Hudson Hall helps put on the town's biggest event, the Winter Walk. 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 the many local shops and restaurants.
Learning and Fun for Families
Throughout the year, Hudson Hall offers workshops where people can learn to draw, paint, and dance. From Shakespeare plays made for kids to hip-hop dance classes, Hudson Hall works hard to be a family-friendly place. It is open all year, providing art and education for the Hudson Valley community.
Famous Visitors Over the Years
Many important people have visited the Hudson Opera House:
- 1855, 1866: Henry Ward Beecher, a famous minister and speaker.
- 1855, 1859, 1894: Susan B. Anthony, a leader who fought to end slavery.
- 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 and Secretary of Interior.
- 1878: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, another leader who fought to end slavery.
- 1894, 1898: Anna Howard Shaw, a leader for women's voting rights.
- 1929: Clarence Darrow, a famous lawyer.
