Kent County Arts Council is hoping to buy the G.A.R. Hall in Chestertown, and create exhibition and performance spaces in this nationally important historic building.
G.A.R. Hall Before
The Charles Sumner Post of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), also known as Centennial Hall, was built in 1908 by African American veterans of the Civil War, it is one of only two such monuments to our history left standing in the United States: The Charles Sumner Post of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), also known as Centennial Hall.
G.A.R. Hall After
Under the direction of Kent County Arts Council, and with the help of Main Street Historic Chestertown, and the Kent County Office of Tourism and Economic Development, there is a chance to continue restoring this historic structure, and use it for the benefit of all as a dual-purpose venue:
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G.A.R. Museum and Gallery First Floor
On the first floor, an Art and History Gallery that shines a light onto the Nation’s Civil War and the story of African Americans’ involvement in it.
- On the second floor, an Event Space which will feature jazz, blues, gospel and classical music, youth programs, poetry readings, lecture series, film series, drama, and more.
We are urgently seeking donations and other support to help us raise the matching funds needed to obtain a grant from the Maryland Heritage Area Authority. We are hoping pledges can be in place by June 30, 2011.
To join FRIENDS OF THE G. A. R. please contribute today. You can donate with your credit card via PayPal. Or download the pledge form to mail us your contribution. We are grateful for your pledge of funds.
