Unity Hall
Nestled in the quaint hamlet of Barneveld, New York, lies the Unity Hall, a seasoned performing arts center with over a century of dense history. Barneveld, a 20-minute drive from Rome and Utica, was founded in 1793 by Gerrit Boon, an agent of the Holland Land Company. Beyond Unity Hall, Barneveld is home to many historical buildings, including Mappa Hall, a home that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Initially constructed in 1896 by the nearby Unitarian Church, Unity Hall was designed to be a cultural and community center from the very beginning. The center thrived for nearly a century until structural issues in the late 1900s cast a shadow of doubt on the building’s longevity.
In 1993, local resident George Landecker approached several community-minded friends about forming a non-profit foundation independent of the church to manage Unity Hall. The church accepted their proposal and the Unity Hall Foundation was established. Its mission was straightforward: to save, restore and preserve its historical dignity and appearance, and to press on with its intended work. As of today, Landecker’s vision has fully succeeded, as Unity Hall hosts frequent public events, and proudly wears its storied history on its sleeve.
From magic shows to open mics to live musical shows, Unity Hall has something for everyone. Take a trip to Barneveld and catch a show at Unity Hall to soak up the rich history that still lives in the fabled community cornerstone to this day.