Built in 1898 by the local chapter of the Knights of the Maccabees and later acquired by the Cheshire Grange in 1920, the hall served as a central hub for community gatherings until 1970.

In 2009, the building was purchased by The Cheshire Community Action Team (CCAT), a non-profit group dedicated to community initiatives, with plans to bring back the glory days of the hall. The goal is to rebuild and refurbish the Cheshire Theater & Meeting Hall (CTMH) to its original function - a gathering place for community activities, offering entertainment, cultural events, youth development programs, instructional programming and more.

Pre-Renovation 2009

Phase I entailed improvements to structural elements and restoring the front facade, all through generous donations and volunteer work.

Phase I - Facade Work

Phase I - Progression of lower level structural work

We're off to a great start - but there's still much to do as we work to meet the educational, social and recreational needs of the all those who will use and benefit from our new center. Phase Two of the project includes several exterior updates including an additional two-story west wall addition, replacing exterior siding/paint and bringing the building up to current accessibility standards. All plumbing, electrical, heating/insulation will be replaced/installed. The basement concrete floor will be poured along with a installation of a commercial kitchen and interior walls. Last but not least, the restoration of the main floor auditorium & antiques from the building.

2018 - Auditorium restoration will be included in Phase II

Cheshire Theater & Meeting Hall (CTMH)- 2020

Many of the services, materials and labor hours have been or will be donated by the community. Still the true success of this project will depend on the old-fashioned generosity of friends, neighbors and businesses who are willing to give a few dollars to show their appreciation of history in our region and their commitment to having a safe and convenient place for study and recreation.

A brief history of Cheshire, NY as it coincided with what was happening in the rest of the country at that time.

Cheshire Theater & Meeting Hall Restoration

Preserve and refurbish the historic building, listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places (2013).