Cunneen-Hackett

The site was originally the home of Matthew Vassar (the elder), and the site of the James Vassar's brewery that burnt down in 1811. Vassar left it to his adopted nephews, Matthew and John Guy, who built a theater on the original foundation of the brewery, and an old age home for men where the elder Vassar's house had been.

Today, these two buildings are on the National Historic Registry. The old age home now serves as public space, an art gallery and office space for arts and not-for-profit organizations. The parlor space downstairs is available for functions, and there are two display rooms that give visitors a sense of the building's original decor.

Across the street is the theater. Originally the Vassar Brothers Institute, it was built for the purposes of exploring science, literature and culture, and has continuously been used as a theater. The space has been completely renovated as of October 16, 2004, with its official reopening on November 6, 2004. This airy space with towering stained glass windows is one of the great gems of Poughkeepsie. The building further houses a dance studio and an art gallery.

For more information about Cuneen-Hackett, or to get a schedule of exhibits or theater events, please call 845.486.4571. Located at 9 and 12 Vassar Street, Poughkeepsie.