Historical Contribution and Project Development Centennial Hall's construction was funded by an $11,000 donation from resident John F.W. Hobbs and completed in the Centennial Year of 1876. Although primarily designed to alleviate the town's problem with over-crowded schools, North Hampton's new schoolhouse soon became the social hub of community life here in town, and for many surrounding towns.

Long waiting lists quickly developed as the well appointed meeting house hosted dances, theatrical performances, card parties, exhibits, club meetings and fairs -assuming the role of cultural center for the fast-growing community.

With construction of the town's current school building located on Atlantic Avenue completed in 1950, the now outdated school, after more than 75 years of continued use, was officially closed. Subsequently, Centennial Hall changed from town, to church, to private ownership, serving a variety of purposes including use as a manufacturing plant, artist studio and Montessori school.