Listening
We believe that everyone deserves the right to have access to a fulfilling spiritual life and the opportunity to find fellowship with others.
INCLUSION
& THE ARTS
We give people with Special needs the chance to express themselves creatively
Building a lasting legacy of inclusion
Merrimack Hall offers services to children and adults with special needs that no other organization in the Southeast currently provides.
Our mission is to provide visual and performing arts education and cultural activities, to children and adults with special needs.
Impacting hundreds In north alabama
Founded in 2008, Merrimack Hall started as 1 weekly dance class for 10 children with special needs. Over more than a decade, our programs have grown to 23 arts related classes that serve hundreds of individuals with special needs from Huntsville, Madison County, and across North Alabama. These extracurricular activities enrich the social and creative needs of all who are involved.
Visual Art
Art is inspiring and affords a space for independent and creative expression. It brings joy to individuals and has multiple benefits for those with visual impairments.
Theatre
Rehearsing lines and acts enhance cognitive and communication skills while allowing individuals the opportunity to shine on stage in front of a live audience!
Dance
Movement through dance expresses emotions in a remarkable way, while simultaneously improving confidence & self-esteem in a non-judgemental setting.
Music
Music creates a unique and powerful connection between our participants and builds communication, motor and social skills for all of our participants.
EVERYONE DESERVES ACCESS to the arts
YOUR DONATION GIVES CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE THE FREEDOM OF THE ARTS.
CREATING
A LASTING IMPACT
WE HOST EVENTS YEAR ROUND TO INTEGRATE the COMMUNITY MORE FULLY.
An Inclusion Blog
Written by staff at Merrimack Hall, read first-hand what stories of inclusion are like at Merrimack Hall
Bah Humbug Holidays!
Sometimes with a little help from our friends in Happy Days, we can go from Bah Humbug to Happy Holidays in just one day!
Inclusion-Based Church
We invite you to a forum led by Travis Collins, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church Huntsville and Debra Jenkins, co-founder of Merrimack Hall to discuss the topic of an inclusion-based worship service. Fill out the form for more info.
The Preacher & Me
There were lots of things that could have happened at my meeting with a preacher back in June. Here’s what actually happened
COMMUNITY EVENTS
We’re working to bring people with special needs into the life of our community in Huntsville, Alabama. Click an event below to learn more information.
All are welcome at our events. We maintain the no barrier should restrict access to the arts.
Holidays in Your PJs 2021
Our annual holiday concert featuring the musical talents of our adult friends with special needs in Happy Days. Join us as we sing all of your holiday faves and celebrate the life of Bradley Block.
The Christmas Story
Merrimack Hall & First Baptist Church Huntsville Present A Fresh Expression of An Inclusive Nativity Play Join us as we tell the story that changed
Fundraisers
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the bulk of our funding comes from individual donations and sponsorships at our community events. Click an event below to learn more information about how you can get involved.
Rocket Chef
Our annual live cooking competition heats up every Fall. Though a partnership with the Food Bank of North Alabama, our chefs compete live on our stage in fierce competition!
Rocket City Microthon
Call us crazy. Maybe we’re addicted to the runner’s high. Maybe we are just ready to get out of the house for an outdoor social activity. Maybe we like it when our special needs friends get to go to art camp. Whatever the reason, the Microthon is BACK baby!
Golf Tournament
Merrimack Hall’s largest annual fundraiser is coming up! A full day of golf at The Ledges Country Club in Huntsville for you to enjoy a relaxed day on the links while supporting an organization dedicated to providing the highest quality service to our friends with special needs in Huntsville.
OUR HISTORY
OUR LEGACY
nor·mal
1. conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.
2. everybody is more alike than we are different.
At Merrimack Hall, we firmly believe that every one of us has special needs. Some have special needs on the outside readily visible; some have special needs on the inside. Everyone has the need to feel loved. Everyone has the need to feel accepted.
Please join our efforts to make Huntsville & Madison County the gold-standard for diversity and inclusion by becoming a volunteer, donating or spreading awareness on behalf of our mission.
