Support Howland Cultural Center

Dear Editor,

During this season of giving thanks, we thank you for your support of the Howland Cultural Center. As a small, volunteer-run nonprofit, we depend on your donations to keep our doors open.

The Howland Center, known as the “Jewel of Beacon,” serves as a vital community hub for arts, culture, and history in the City of Beacon. We offer accessible local community and arts programming, while preserving a beautiful, historic building located on Main Street in the heart of Beacon.

Please join us in supporting the “Jewel of Beacon.”

Our programs offer something for everyone.

In 2025, we hosted more than 500 events and welcomed more than 20,000 people to the Center. We offer community-centered performances, art exhibits, film screenings, author talks, and a full calendar of regular events and classes. Highlights included the Howland Chamber Music Circle, Artichoke Storytelling Series, Nerd Night Hudson Valley, Open Mic Nights, LIT LIT Writers’ Open Mics, an annual Holiday Gift Show, and special children’s and family-friendly programming. Groups that meet at the center include the Tioronda Garden Club, the Bridge Club, kids after-school art, Mid-Hudson Music Together, creative writing, and a range of workshops, as well as private events.

Our building keeps history alive in the heart of Beacon.

In addition to our programming since 1979, the Center preserves and operates a historic Richard Morris Hunt-designed building, originally commissioned in 1872 as the Howland Circulating Library. Today, our building continues to serve the community as a home for arts and culture. As with any historic building, preserving the facility is a constant labor of love. We started a major façade and portico restoration in 2025, and there is more to be done!

Please continue supporting our programs and protecting our beautiful building for future generations to experience and cherish! Donations of any size are most welcome.
Warm regards,

Theresa Kraft
Howland Cultural Center Board Member