Howland Cultural Center
The non-profit Howland Cultural Center is the 'Jewel of Beacon’ fostering art, culture, and history since 1979. We own, preserve, and operate the historic 1872 Richard Morris Hunt building designed as the Howland Circulating Library. The Howland Cultural Center has earned its reputation for its exceptional acoustics and the Northcutt Hall gallery. The galley is open free to the public during weekends and by appointment. Our organization relies solely on the work of volunteers with no paid staff. We offer our building space and services as a resource for other nonprofits, community groups and rental space for private events.
The City of Beacon continues its revitalization and is a magnet for the arts. The Howland Cultural Center helped pave the way for its renaissance beginning in 1979 and continues to play an important role advocating for historic preservation through action.
For 47 years, our nonprofit has brought people together in the spirit of diversity. We promote and encourage local artists of the Hudson Valley and beyond, and showcase their unique artistic talents. We produce many of our own events, and co-produce with others who come with their ideas. The Howland is currently home to the Howland Chamber Music Circle concert series and the Tioronda Garden Club. Along with housing events solely produced by outside production that showcase the historic Howland for their venues. (See Venue Rentals)
HCC is funded in part with public participation, our Friends Campaign, donations, and volunteers. Ticketed events help bring funds necessary to sustain our operating expenses. And seek grant opportunities and fundraisers for historic preservation of our building. Friends of the Howland are helping build our future while honoring the past.
The Howland Cultural Center is a nonprofit organization operated entirely by dedicated and respected volunteers who provide guidance and support. Our mission is to preserve and maintain the historic Richard Morris Hunt building, which was constructed in 1872. We received our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status under the name Van Wyck Council on the Arts and Culture, Inc., and we are known as the Howland Cultural Center. We began offering public programming in 1979, and today, the Center continues to thrive as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and history.