Musicians entertain guests at the Nolan Center 10th Anniversary celebration Tuesday, July 1, 2014.
The James & Elsie Nolan Center celebrated its 10th anniversary Tuesday with treats, live music and free museum admission.
Wrangellites of all ages filled the Nolan Center to mark its presence in town since 2004.
Janell Privett helped plan and raise funds for the Nolan Center when the project began. She said the money raised locally was an incredible example of Wrangell pulling together as a community.
“I’m proud of this building, and I think it represents Wrangell in its greatest glory, and ups and downs, and the kinda people we are,” Privett said.
The idea for the Nolan Center started with the need for a new museum.
“So the fundraising began, and donors from all over helped, and benefactors, and we accomplished what no one thought we could,” Privett said. “And it wasn’t without struggle.”
The community also wanted an event space, so the center has played host to parties, wedding receptions and conferences over the years.
Nolan Center Director Terri Henson said the facility is an important gathering place for the community. But she said it has also impacted the local economy.
“Over the last 5 1/2 years that I’ve been the director here, a direct impact from our conferences has brought over $1.5 million into the community, which is quite a bit for a small community to be able to generate,” Henson said.
Henson said she will continue to market Wrangell to bring in more conferences that fit the community.
