Newton Cultural Alliance Plans to Restore Historic Home, Create Community Arts Center

The following is an edited press release issued by the Newton Cultural Alliance:

Thomas B. Concannon, president of the Newton Cultural Alliance ("NCA"), announced on [Friday, Nov. 30] that after months of negotiations, the NCA has acquired the historic Nathaniel Allen School and House located at 35 Webster Street in West Newton.

This grand and gracious historic property, which dates back to 1841, was one of the most progressive educational institutions in the United States at the time. Nathaniel Allen was an early abolitionist and the Nathaniel Allen School was one of the first racially integrated schools in the nation. It offered professional teacher education, taught boys and girls together, attracted an international student body, and offered the new concept of "kindergarten".

The property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a Newton Landmark, was acquired through a generous gift to the NCA by an anonymous West Newton donor. The NCA plans to restore the property and to establish a collaborative educational and community center for arts and culture.

The mission of the NCA, created in 2004, is to advocate for the rich and diverse arts and cultural community of the City of Newton. In the coming months, as plans are developed, the NCA will share its vision for the property with the community. For further information contact the NCA at 617-332-4300 or at contact@newtonculture.org.