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Wellfleet Preservation Hall, Inc (WPH) begins to form in October 2006 and develops a viable proposal to turn the former Catholic Church into a community and cultural center. Fifteen Wellfleet residents, most of whom have deep roots in the community, become the first founders and WPH board of directors. Twenty-five of Wellfleet’s “movers and shakers” agree to serve on the WPH Advisory Council. In December 2006 WPH founders remove the hand-carved front doors of the building for restoration. At Town Meeting in April 2007, Wellfleet voters approve the article to transfer ownership of the former Catholic Church to Wellfleet Preservation Hall, Inc. On June 4th 2007, the cupola is removed from the building to stabilize roof and begin repair. WPH receives a grant from Arts Foundation for research and exhibition of woodcarvings by itinerant artist Johnathan Kendall to take place at Cape Cod Museum of Art. The show generates extensive publicity and is extended due to popular demand. In July of 2007, artists Jean Nelson and Brailsford Nixon complete restoration of WPH's front doors, which become the centerpiece of the Kendall exhibition. WPH launches a capital campaign to raise funds from individuals and businesses and raises nearly $900,000 in cash and pledges by March 2008. An Angel steps forward to pledge $100,000 in matching funds for contributions of $10,000 or more. WPH selects architects James Hadley and Patricia Crow. Hadley Crow Studio on Cape Cod provides design and project management in architecture and landscape architecture, including historic preservation services in both fields. The firm’s work examines contemporary design in an historic context. Local ecology plays an important part in the design of both buildings and landscape. |
A series of special events and benefits occur throughout 2007: * June 25th: Winslow’s Tavern sponsors a Night for WPH. A great crowd and tons of fun! * July 4th: WPH entry in Independence Day parade wins Grand Prize! * July 14 – August 26th: Johnathan Kendall: Icons exhibition (click here for catalog) at the Cape Cod Museum of Art, with special reception and benefit on August 5th. * August 2nd: Patty Larkin and Chris Smither offer a sell-out concert at the Wellfleet Congregational Church to benefit WHAT and WPH. * August 25th: The Homecoming of the Doors. A huge crowd attends the unveiling of the doors and garden party, with proclamations delivered by representatives from the Historical Commission, Chamber of Commerce, and State Legislature. * September 18th: The Wellfleet Community Forum sponsors a show featuring local talent to benefit WPH. * December 15th: Deck This Hall Inaugural holiday lighting of the Hall takes place with craft fair and sing along. * Leap Year Event: Private Dinners and House Parties featuring gourmet meals prepared and hosted by local chefs. On November 13th, 2007 the Board of Selectmen signs the Purchase and Sale Agreement for transfer of the building. At Town Meeting on December 3rd, Wellfleet voters unanimously approve the Community Preservation Committee’s recommendation to grant WPH $500,000 from CPA funds. On March 13, 2008 ownership of the former Catholic church is transferred to Wellfleet Preservation Hall, Inc. Thank you Wellfleet for believing in us!
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