From Hamilton Hall
Hamilton Hall and LEAP for Education have teamed up to solve a common problem that has arisen from the COVID-19 pandemic, a lack of space for people to meet and socially distance. With the Federal-style Hall unable to currently fulfill its mission to provide a place for large social gatherings, the Hall’s board members elected to reach out to LEAP and offer much-needed space for its underserved college-bound students.
The only problem? A 200-year-old building doesn’t always get great WIFI. A gift to Hamilton Hall can help boost WIFI reception so that the doors of Hamilton Hall may remain open to LEAP students and volunteer staff during school hours and after school for mentoring and academic support. The historic 1805 Hall is looking to raise $1,000 on this global day of giving to continue to respond to this community need.
“We could think of no better way to serve our community than to help relieve some of the frustrations of teaching our young people during this pandemic,” says Michael Selbst, president of Hamilton Hall’s board of directors. “Having the energy of these students in our building two days a week as they prepare for their future would put smiles on the faces of so many who have gathered in this beautiful space for 200 years.”
The organization offers students in grades 6 through 16 academic support and enrichment in STEM and the arts as well as college access services, career exploration and internships. All programs are infused with opportunities for students to grow socially and emotionally and to build their social capital within the community.
With social distancing, LEAP was limited to the number of students who could meet in-person in their classrooms at Shetland Park, so having the space in historic Hamilton Hall allows LEAP to serve as many as 20 additional students for the organization’s Teen Center enrichment and academic support programs.
“Hamilton Hall’s directors and members once again have shown their generosity of spirit and community commitment by inviting LEAP’s Teen Center students into their beautiful historic home,” says LEAP Executive Director Linda E. Saris. “The history of the Hall has not escaped LEAP students and staff who continue to be in awe of the space and the hospitality of its staff.”
To make a donation to support the utilities, maintenance and staffing to make educational programs like this possible at Hamilton Hall, go HERE.
Hamilton Hall’s Plans for 2020
Hamilton Hall provides rich educational programming for adults too that has now gone virtual, such as the annual Americana lecture, held on November 15, with biographer Adelaide Solomon-Jordan, who shares a special connection to Hamilton Hall, as a cousin of the Remonds, a family who lived in the Hall in the 19th-century as caterers and went on to be heroes in the nation’s abolitionist movement.
On Saturday, December 19, Hamilton Hall will celebrate 200-plus years of holiday dances with a creative line-up of live and virtual programming.
In February and March, Hamilton Hall will host the 75-th annual Lecture Series on World Affairs, virtually, followed by a re-broadcast on Sunday evenings at 5 pm. For three quarters of a century, the series has presented thought-provoking insights from illustrious speakers— and while the format may look different this year, the opportunity for education and reflection will never change. Previous speakers have included presidential advisors, former CIA agents, foreign ambassadors and renowned academics.
SHOP LOCAL! Support the small businesses that make up your community and are owned by your friends, neighbors, and fellow community members.
If you are a business and are interested in being part of this initiative please visit creativecollectivema.com/join and sign up for our comprehensive business program!
staylocallynn • #staylocalsalem • #staylocalpeabody • #staylocalbeverly • #staylocalmarblehead
We wanted to shine a spotlight on many of the small businesses that make up the fabric of our communities and support them as much as we can throughout the Winter.
Stay tuned to this event for information on businesses throughout the North shore. We will be highlighting the humans behind the small businesses, showcasing specials and promotions, and also curating experiences that will make your local shopping even better!A priority this year will be to educate consumers on the safety protocols that so many of our fantastic businesses have implemented in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
