Museum Directory

Wellfleet Preservation Hall represents a unique blend of past and present. The building, formerly the site of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church had suffered from years of neglect. In the last months of 2006, the creative reuse of this nearly century old building was envisioned by a small group of Wellfleet residents. Under the leadership of Marla Rice, Anne Suggs & Ellen LeBow a non profit 501 c3 organization was formed.The challenge was to preserve a unique part of Wellfleet’s architecture, breathing new life and new use into the space left vacant and deteriorating. The mission: To bring vibrancy and a sense of community back to Main Street by creating a unique hub at Wellfleet Preservation Hall that offers space for the intersection of art, culture and community.

WPH launched a multi-year capital campaign to raise the estimated $2.6 million needed for the project. The vision of a welcome gathering space in the center of Wellfleet seemed to capture the imagination of many residents. WPH was awarded a very generous start up grant of $500,000 from the Community Preservation Commission. Through the hard work of a dedicated board of directors, the personal commitment from numerous donors and further grant awards from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the United States Department of Agriculture, local banks, businesses and foundations the reality of this dream came to life. The Groundbreaking was held on the Spring Equinox of 2010 and the doors to Wellfleet Preservation Hall opened nearly a year later in May 2011.