Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center 2026 Annual Magnolia Party Brunch

The 2026 Annual Magnolia Party Brunch is being held in the Grand Parlor of our beautiful historic Victorian-age Italianate building at 9 Vassar Street in Poughkeepsie, NY and includes a “live” performance by local gospel group Sisters in Spirit in the VBI Theater at 12 Vassar Street. This year’s honorees are community leaders Dr. Maung Htoo, President of the Vassar Brothers Institute, and Ray Watkins, Musician, Vocalist and community arts leader. In addition to the specially crafted brunch and beverage menu, there will be chances to win unique and exciting door prizes generously donated by our community business partners.

EVENT SCHEDULE

• 11 am - Performance in the VBI Theater at 12 Vassar Street (Doors Open at 10:30 am / Unassigned Seating)
• 12 pm - Buffet Brunch in the Grand Parlor at 9 Vassar Street

The Annual Magnolia Party marks the memorable occasion in April of 1865 when Matthew Vassar cut a flowering branch of the Magnolia Tree at 9 Vassar Street and laid it atop President Abraham Lincoln’s coffin as his funeral train stopped at the Poughkeepsie Train Station. A descendant of that Magnolia Tree still graces the grounds of the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center and blooms every spring just in time for the Magnolia Party.

EVENT SPONSORS

Gold Level

Vassar Brothers Institute

Bronze Level

Central Hudson

A. Page & Associates

NBT Bank

The Bagel Shoppe

Marshall & Sterling

Renaissance Kids, Inc.

Jackie and Glenn Peterson

Wine Provided By

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery

The mission of the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center is to meet the artistic and cultural needs of the Hudson Valley by showcasing professional and community artists in theatre, music, dance and the visual arts. It also is dedicated to preserving two historically significant and beautiful Victorian age buildings at 9 Vassar Street and 12 Vassar Street that provide a variety of performance, exhibition and office spaces. If you cannot attend and would like to make a donation please click .

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