Friends of Centennial Hall

The FOCH is comprised of members of the community that volunteer their time and talents to maintain, restore and return the Hall to a fully functioning community resource and center for the arts. The FOCH is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit and is registered as a charitable trust with the Department of the Attorney General.

 

;

FOCH Mission: To preserve, renovate and maintain this historic building for joint use by the public and private citizens, with a focus on the teaching and preservation of performing arts.

Who are the Friends?

In 1997 the building was listed for sale and demolition was considered. Alumni Louise (Booker) Goss then 87, concern for the future of the hall and desire to see it restored, inspired a group of alumni and towns people to form the non-profit and purchase the building in 1998.

Ten years later the FOCH publicly burned the mortgage and assumed debt free ownership of the building. The all-volunteer non-profit governs and manages the building.The FOCH currently operates under a preservation easement and stewardship agreement with the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), and conducts all preservation and restoration work in a manner that maintains historical accuracy while increasing safety and access, always with an eye to the Hall’s significant features and its future potential use. In 2016 the building was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and restoration is also in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

Many important restoration projects have been funded by the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), Town Warrant Article Support, Lloyd Graves Fund, The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation; provided by the Josephine A. Lamprey Fund, The Barker Foundation, The Etela Fund, Bottomline Technologies, Levine Foundation, FOCH Alumni Escrow, The NH Preservation Alliance in partnership with the 1772 Foundation, The Madelaine G. Von Weber Trust, the Fuller Foundation, New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, Hobbs Fund, Gannett Foundation, Getz Foundation,The VF Foundation and support from many local businesses and citizens.

 

How Can You Help?

Just like in 1876, Centennial Hall is run by a small group of volunteers who responsibly manage all operations, maintenance and most importantly restoration and renovation of this important community resource. And while we’re working to increase the accessibility of underutilized space, we need your help to continue this work.

Your tax-deductible donation will be 100% applied to the restoration of Centennial Hall.

And contact us to let us know how you can share your time, talents, and resources to reach our goal of a fully restored Hall for the greater Seacoast Community to enjoy.