History

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With construction of the town’s current school building located on Atlantic Avenue completed in 1950, the now outdated school, after more than 75 years of continued use, was officially closed.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.

The Friends of Centennial Hall have been working hard over the last several years to bring the Hall back into the lives of the people of North Hampton and surrounding communities. Please take a minute to check out the schedule of upcoming events (Hall Calendar). It will continue to take the unwavering commitment by all the supporters and volunteers to bring Centennial Hall back to its true role as North Hampton’s Art and Community Center.

Organizational History

The Friends of Centennial Hall, Inc. (FOCH) formed in 1997 after a small group of residents, inspired by the former school’s then eighty-nine year old alumna, Louise Goss, met after the building was listed for sale. Hoping to preserve this important piece of town history, and prevent further deterioration, this committed and determined assemblage pursued funds and encouraged community participation to restore the landmark building. By June of 1998, the FOCH formed a unique collaborative partnership with the Seacoast Civic Dance Company (SCDS), raised the necessary $34,000 down payment, and assumed ownership of the building.