Lincoln Hall: We’ve Come So Far!
The opening of Lincoln Hall's Phase One in June 2024 marked a significant step forward. Thanks to hundreds of generous donors, we now have a first-rate assembly space to match our first-rate institution. We’ve raised over $7.5 million and completed the $1 million match at the Lincoln Hall Gala on September 14, 2024.
But We’re Not Finished Yet!
Phase Two of Lincoln Hall will unlock the full potential of this extraordinary building, enhancing every aspect of our visitors' experience and supporting Hildene’s mission for generations to come.
This phase focuses on completing the 5,000-square-foot lower level of Lincoln Hall. Once finished, this space will provide essential resources, positioning Hildene as a renowned, year-round center for world-class educational and civic programming.
Enhancing the Day Guest Experience:
- New Orientation Center & Exhibit: The lower-level foyer will feature an exhibit on Hildene’s 120-year history, including the restoration work by Friends of Hildene since 1978 and an overview of today’s visitor highlights. Guests will leave excited to explore, with a clear sense of what they’ll see and how to navigate the estate.
- Modern Restrooms: Beautiful, modern facilities adding much-needed additional capacity for guests.
- Café & Dining Facilities: A café featuring Hildene-grown products will offer guests a place to enjoy fresh, locally inspired meals. The outdoor patio will provide a tranquil space for guests to relax, enhancing their overall experience.
- More Time to Explore Hildene: By offering food service on-site, guests can enjoy a meal and recharge before continuing to explore our 412-acre campus, rather than leaving the property for lunch and cutting their visit short.
- New Landscaping & Hardscaping: A thoughtfully designed connection between the Welcome Center, café, exhibit space, and other key areas will include a patio, trees and shrubs, and pollinator gardens.
Maximizing the Potential of Lincoln Hall:
State-of-the-Art Conference Facilities: We will install hybrid audio-visual technology in the Great Hall and link it to lower-level conference rooms. This will allow us to host thought-provoking symposia, conferences, and meetings, attracting regional and national speakers.
- Build-out of Conference Rooms: The lower level includes conference rooms that have been roughed in but are awaiting completion. We will finish these spaces with conference-style seating, tables, and top-tier amenities, creating a professional environment for breakout sessions, workshops, and executive meetings.
- Collaborations with Prestigious Institutions: Discussions with organizations like the Lincoln Forum are underway. Completing Phase Two will make us a desirable venue for renowned civic organizations, solidifying Hildene’s place as a center for scholarship.
- A Vision for Future Thought Leadership: With these facilities, Hildene envisions creating a new institute focused on contemporary issues, bringing together historians, thought leaders, and innovators for public events and discussions—keeping Lincoln’s legacy relevant in today’s world.
Join Us in Realizing this Vision
We are at a transformative moment in Hildene's growth. Every contribution made today brings us closer to creating a world-class venue that fulfills our mission and positions Hildene as a leader in hosting thought-provoking programs and national conferences.
Your support will ensure we complete this vital project and realize the full potential of Lincoln Hall.
Join us in safeguarding Hildene and the Lincoln legacy for generations to come. Please consider a gift today!
All donors giving $1,000 or more will receive recognition on our donor plaques at Lincoln Hall. Donors making multiple gifts will be honored at the level of their cumulative giving to both Phases One and Two of Lincoln Hall.
For more information, please contact:
Brian Keefe, President, at 802-362-3996 or email.
Nan Bambara, Advancement Director at 802-367-7994 or email.
“We are passionate about this great future asset as we know Lincoln Hall will be a powerful lift to Hildene’s mission-driven programs and, at the same time, provide a measurable economic impact on the greater community.”
Ursula & Paul Lowerre*
*Vice Chair, Hildene Board of Trustees
Special Thanks!
Special thanks to all those who have already given $1,000 or more. Donors making multiple gifts will be honored at the level of their cumulative giving to both Phase One and Two of Lincoln Hall. This recognition list will be updated. List as of January 2025.
