Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, arts center and historic building in Poughkeepsie, New York, USA
The Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center comprises two historic brick buildings in Renaissance Revival style featuring decorative details and sturdy construction. The spaces include a theater, galleries, a dance studio, and artists' studios that host performances, exhibitions, and various cultural events throughout the year.
The building at 9 Vassar Street opened in 1881 as the Vassar Home for Aged Men and served elderly city residents for decades. The second building at 12 Vassar Street followed in 1882 as the Vassar Brothers Institute, offering lectures and cultural programs before falling into decline.
The center is named after Charlotte Cunneen Hackett and her husband John Mulford Hackett, local lawyers who supported the arts. The buildings serve as a gathering place where artists and residents experience theater, music, dance, and exhibitions together as a community.
The center is easily accessible, located about a 10-minute walk from the train station and near several bus lines. Check the events calendar online in advance and contact the producing organization directly for ticket information and event details.
A magnolia tree on the grounds has a remarkable story: a branch was placed on President Abraham Lincoln's coffin by Matthew Vassar in 1865 as the funeral train passed through Poughkeepsie. The tree still blooms each spring and is celebrated at the annual Magnolia Party, connecting history with community.
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