Harmony Hall
Harmony Hall was built in 1828 as a Universalist church. The building has one of only 134 surviving Revere Foundry bells, and unusual suspended gallery, and fine Gothic windows. Services were held here until 1885, after which the building was unused until the Hampden Village Improvement Society adopted it as a meeting place in 1895. At this time the pews were removed and a stage installed. The front of the stage is made of the sides of the old box pews, complete with the original hinges. During the renovations, it was found that the belfry was in danger of collapse, and bell and belfry were moved to the front of the building. At this time the building was named Harmony Hall.
Harmony Hall 2023
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Harmony Hall Gardens
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In 1898 the renowned suffragist Susan B. Anthony spoke to an overflow crowd at the Hall. In 1915 a fresco was painted on the back wall of the hall for a play which was never produced. During this period the hall was used by many organizations for entertainments and meetings.
Susan B. Anthony spoke at the annual State Woman's Suffrage Convention held at Harmony Hall in 1898.
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The fresco painted for a play behind the stage.
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In 1937 the Hampden Garden Club took over maintenance of the Hall and has owned the building since 1966. Extensive fundraising in recent years has led to a major restoration of the building. Since 2007 the Hall has been on the National Register of Historic Places.
In addition to maintaining the Hall, the club cares for six public gardens in Hampden, offers speakers on gardening and conservation topics at its meetings, which are open to the public, provides educational programs to area schools, and holds an annual plant sale. We're proud of Harmony Hall!
In addition to maintaining the Hall, the club cares for six public gardens in Hampden, offers speakers on gardening and conservation topics at its meetings, which are open to the public, provides educational programs to area schools, and holds an annual plant sale. We're proud of Harmony Hall!