Sharing Knowledge. Sharing Friendship.
Hamilton House is a place where friendships are formed, minds are stimulated, and a sense of purpose is reignited. We offer a wide range of programs that cater to the social, mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our members. Our unique location in a historic home on the East Side of Providence provides a beautiful and welcoming setting, and our member-driven activities highlight our community's interests and expertise.
Our Mission
To inspire and enhance members’ lives through stimulating interaction with ideas and friends in an adult learning center and to connect them with opportunities to serve the community.
Our Vision
To be a vibrant adult lifelong learning community that energizes mind, body and spirit through diverse and stimulating courses, social activities, service opportunities, and intergenerational involvement.
Our Values
Integrity
We act to carry out our mission and vision with respect, accountability, responsibility
and transparency in all our interactions.
Collaboration
Working together as a diverse and inclusive membership to plan and participate in programs and activities, we stay active, pursue growth, find purpose, and build trust and friendship.
Community
Committed to learning and building relationships we find our lives enriched and affirmed by the sense of belonging that drives physical and mental wellbeing, joy and healthy aging.
Excellence
We provide high quality programming in keeping with our mission and vision, actively seeking feedback in order to improve.
Stewardship
We are responsible in the planning and management of our social, financial, and physical resources.
Our
History
Built in 1896, what we now call Hamilton House was formerly a family home. Since our founding in 1972, Hamilton House has been a pillar of lifelong learning and community engagement for adults 55 and older. It was one of our founders, the Reverend Raymond E. Gibson who wrote, “The reality is that Hamilton House will, like all important human endeavors, escape definition. It is…a rare combination of place, people, and program, held together by a spirit that helps us move towards human fulfillment."
After 50 years that “rare combination” Gibson spoke of continues to define Hamilton House as a unique and special community. Our organization remains one of the select few member-led and driven Rhode Island centers for older individuals that intentionally combines expanded learning, social events, intergenerational programs, opportunities to give-back through volunteering, and the formation of friendships into one integrated portfolio of possibilities.
The House is listed on the national register, and was designed by the Architects Carrère and Hastings who also designed the New York Public Library, the House and Senate Office Buildings on Capitol Hill, and Central Congregational Church in Providence, RI. It is well loved and cared for by our membership community.
Our Board
As a 501(c)3 the purpose of our board is to provide governance, strategic direction, and oversight to ensure Hamilton House fulfills its mission and operates with financial and ethical integrity. Board members are responsible for setting policies, securing resources, and representing the interests of the community served by Hamilton House.
Standing Committees
As a non-profit member-driven organization, the majority of our members give of their time and talents serving on committees and volunteering for opportunities across the organization. Committees vary in size, commitment, and focus. Joining a committee is a great way to get to know other members, learn more about the mission and vision of Hamilton House, and to share your professional insights and expertise.
Interested? Members can reach out directly to Committee Chairs via the Member Portal.
Development
Committee Chair: Frank Capecci
To build partnerships and connect with the community. To generate and maintain adequate funding to operate Hamilton House and to increase endowment.
Governance
Committee Chair: Sylvia Danforth
Ensure that Hamilton House governance structures, policies, and practices are compliant with all legal requirements and effectively directed toward mission-driven Board governance
Finance
Committee Chair: Carl Romanovich
To oversee financial health of organization in conjunction with Executive Director and Board of Directors.
Kitchen
Committee Chair: John Lord
Oversight of Cafe and Lunch Service Program, and compliance with RIDOH.
Membership
Committee Chair: Sylvia Danforth
To be ambassadors of Hamilton House; develop plans to grow and maintain membership.
Personnel
Committee Chair: Pat Donovan
To advise or makes policy recommendations for Hamilton House human resources and staff.
Programs
Committee Chairs:
John Stevenson & Elissa Arffa
Support program idea generation, development, implementation and evaluation in partnership with staff.
Property & Grounds
Committee Chair: Collin Mills
Assess the needs of the building and grounds as it relates to repairs, special projects, capital improvements and regular maintenance.
Special Events
Committee Chair: Thia Lord
To provide occasions for members to socialize in environments outside the scope of regular programming.
Travel
Committee Chair: Gail Romanovich
To offer trips for enjoyment of members and promote new membership.