The Belleville Arts Foundation, Inc.
The mission of the Belleville Arts Foundation, Inc. is to preserve, maintain and improve the Belleville Meetinghouse and use it as a venue for arts education and performance.
The Belleville Meetinghouse traces its roots back to 1761, when a Congregational Church was first organized in Newburyport, Massachusetts. The current building was dedicated on December 24, 1867, and houses a magnificent organ that still is used. For centuries, the Belleville Meetinghouse has served as a center of religious life and also as a community center for the Belleville neighborhood.
In 2005, a group of musicians approached the church about using The Meetinghouse for concerts and the Belleville Roots Music Series was born. The series draws music lovers and performers from far and wide and has become an important pillar of the Newburyport cultural scene.
Prior to its closure for renovations, the well-respected Newburyport Choral Society regularly performed in The Meetinghouse. Several other performances and concerts were held annually including church events, organ concerts, theater performances, and musical concerts.
Board Members
Marcia Shoemaker, President
Philip Smith, Vice President
Joseph Carper, Treasurer
Lynn Varney, Clerk
Lisë Reid
Ken Irwin
Donna Wilson Irwin
Jim Samuelson