Restoring a Landmark. Rebuilding Community.
A historic building at the heart of Cheshire is getting a second act—and we need your help to make it happen.
For over 70 years, the Cheshire Theatre & Meeting Hall was the center of life in the Hamlet.
Built in 1898 as the Knights of the Maccabees Hall, and later home to Academy Grange No. 62, this space hosted everything from theater productions and holiday dinners to civic meetings and community dances.
But since the 1970s, the building has sat largely unused—its historic walls waiting for their next chapter.
The Cheshire Community Action Team (CCAT) purchased the building in 2009 with a bold goal:
to restore it as a vibrant, welcoming space for everyone in our community.
With your support the Hall will soon feature:
A restored Grand Hall and stage for performances, events, and celebrations
Flexible seating for dinners, meetings, and community gatherings
ADA-accessible entrances and restrooms
Meeting rooms and youth spaces on the lower level
A fully functional community kitchen
A mini-museum highlighting Cheshire’s history
Progress So far
Since purchasing the building, CCAT and our volunteers have:
✔️ Replaced the leaking roof to prevent further structural damage
✔️ Installed all new windows and doors for safety and energy efficiency
✔️ Restored the original wood paneling in the Grand Hall, preserving its historic charm
✔️ Stabilized key structural areas to ensure safe access and future use
✔️ Developed professional architectural plans and floor layouts
✔️ Completed initial clean-out and rough framing throughout the building
✔️ Roughed in new electrical wiring to meet modern standards
Exterior heading south, New siding to replace the old yellow to come
CTMH Sign
Building front, Work to be done with hardscaping
Recognizes as a National Historical Building, Historical plaque
Entrance to the lobby area
ADA Compliant bathrooms being built in the lobby
Double center door in the lobby
Entering the Theatre
All restored original wood paneling
Original stage being restored
Beautiful paneling and lighting
Stage to be finished
More paneling in the theatre
Basement space
Bathrooms framed and a large closet
Main room open plan for tables and parties
HUGE beam installed to hold the building up
More of the beam and poured concrete floor
Space for a commercial kitchen
Wall showing new foundation
Solid foundation
Large conference room
Multi purpose room
Doors to the back of the building
How You Can Help:
We’re gearing up for a full Capital Campaign, but there are ways to get involved right now:
+ Make a donation (Every dollar counts!)
+ Volunteer your time or professional skills
+ Sponsor a room, seat, or part of the restoration
+ Help us spread the word
Together, we can make this vision a reality.