Mission Statement

Not Just Another Arts Organization

Beacon's Howland Cultural Center is not just another arts organization, for its home is a Victorian building that was born specifically to serve the community as a cultural resource. It was originally a public library built in 1872 by Civil War General Joseph Howland and designed by the noted architect Richard Morris Hunt. Placed on the National Historic Register in 1972, the 100th year of its life, the building, with its specially designed dome of richly patined wood, provides an extraordinary warm acoustic for concerts, recitals, plays, poetry readings and coffeehouses, and a glowing backdrop for art shows, dance presentations, classes, fund-raisers and meetings. As a long-standing and much-cherished community landmark, The Howland Cultural Center, with its diverse and always expanding roster of programs, is optimally positioned to promote the arts, encouraging people of all ages to enliven their lives with the power of creativity.

The Mission of The Howland Cultural Center is threefold:

1. to protect and preserve this historic building, designed by Richard Morris Hunt and commissioned by his brother-in-law, Civil War General Joseph Howland in 1872, and placed on the National Historic Register in 1972;

2. to maintain a cultural center for the community which promotes the arts and to encourage people to include the arts in their lives;

3. to serve the community by welcoming groups to use the Center for their special events, i.e.: meetings, recitals, rehearsals, fundraisers, etc.