Donation to Help Unlocking Major Foundation Gift and Advancing Historic Gary Library Acquisition
Montpelier, VT — Montpelier Performing Arts Hub (The Hub) today announced a transformative $50,000 investment from Union Mutual Insurance Company that unlocks an additional $50,000 from the Ellison Foundation of Seattle, Washington—bringing the organization within $100,000 of owning 35 College Street, the historic Gary Library, outright.
This milestone marks a critical turning point in The Hub’s campaign to secure and renovate the former library into a state-of-the-art performing arts center serving Central Vermont in Vermont’s Capitol City.
Union Mutual’s leadership gift not only accelerates the organization’s path to ownership but also signals strong local business confidence in a project poised to become a major economic and cultural driver for downtown Montpelier.
“This investment from Union Mutual represents far more than a financial contribution,” said Kianna Bromley, President & Founder of Montpelier Performing Arts Hub. “It demonstrates the power of local leadership and belief in our shared future. When businesses invest in spaces where people gather, connect, and lift up their voices, they invest in the heart of a community.”
The combined $150,000 impact from Union Mutual and the Ellison Foundation moves The Hub within striking distance of its second campaign goal of securing full ownership of the building. Once complete, the organization will have positioned itself as a serious contender for large-scale capital campaign funding to transform the historic Gary Library into a vibrant performing arts destination.
Once renovated, the facility will serve as a year-round hub for live performance, community programming, youth arts education, and regional partnerships—supporting economic vitality in the Capitol City and strengthening Central Vermont’s creative infrastructure. “Union Mutual has proudly called Montpelier home for more than 150 years, and our commitment to this community runs deep,” said Lisa L. Keysar, President & CEO of Union Mutual. “Investing in projects like the Montpelier Performing Arts Hub supports not only economic development, but also the sense of connection and community that makes our city a great place to live and work.”
As The Hub approaches full ownership of 35 College Street, the organization is preparing to launch the next phase of its capital campaign to renovate the historic structure while preserving its architectural character. The transformation will create a welcoming, accessible venue designed to amplify local voices, attract regional audiences, and contribute to the continued revitalization of Vermont’s Capitol City.
“Gathering spaces matter,” added Bromley. “They are where stories are shared, ideas are sparked, and community is strengthened. This moment brings us closer than ever to ensuring that Central Vermont has a permanent home for performance, creativity, and connection.”
Community members and businesses interested in helping The Hub reach its ownership goal and launch the renovation campaign are encouraged to visit www.mpa-hub.org to learn more or reach out directly to Kianna Bromley at kianna@mpa-hub.org.
About Montpelier Performing Arts Hub
The Montpelier Performing Arts Hub is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the historic Gary Library at 35 College Street into a state-of-the-art performing arts center serving Central Vermont. Located in Vermont’s Capitol City, The Hub is committed to fostering artistic excellence, community connection, and economic vitality through live performance and cultural programming.
About Union Mutual
Founded in 1874 and headquartered in Montpelier, Vermont, Union Mutual Insurance Company is a property and casualty insurer and a member of the N&D | Union Mutual Insurance Group. Together, the group writes over $750 million in direct written premium and serves independent agents across New England and New Jersey. The group is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best, a leading global insurance rating organization.
