Our Programs
The Happy Headquarters at Merrimack Hall
An Inclusive explosion of the arts
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. Merrimack Hall houses The Happy Headquarters is a visual and performing arts program for children, teens and adults with special needs. Our programs drastically improve the quality of life for people with special needs, as we work toward bringing the people we serve out of the shadows and into the life of our community.
A VIBRANT AND UNITED COMMUNITY
Arts Classes
After school multi-disciplinary arts education classes for children and adults with special needs. Classes offered include dance & creative movement, acting, choir and many more!
Adult Program
Hosted on weekdays, Monday - Thursday, our adult day program is a culturally and socially engaging program for adults with special needs.
Summer Camp
During the summer, a series of week-long summer camps in multidisciplinary arts education. Students spend half a day at Merrimack Hall, while learning and growing creatively.
Everyone is free to express themselves and embrace their individuality while growing and learning together
Parents and family members of participants frequently praise Merrimack Hall for the unique nature of its elements and for helping their loved ones reach milestones previously thought impossible. We have both anecdotal and therapeutic evidence that many of our students are hitting milestones ahead of schedule, are behaving better at school and at home, are more confident, have improved communication skills and are more physically fit than before they joined us. First words are uttered on stage, first unassisted steps are taken, and lasting friends and fellowship are all celebrated for the miracles that they are at Merrimack Hall. We believe empowering these individuals to participate in meaningful arts related activities will give them increased independence skills and an improved overall quality of life.
Music
Music creates a unique and powerful connection between our participants and builds communication, motor and social skills for all of our participants.
Dance
Movement through dance expresses emotions in a remarkable way, while simultaneously improving confidence & self-esteem in a non-judgemental setting.
Theater
Rehearsing lines and acts enhance cognitive and communication skills while allowing individuals the opportunity to shine on stage in front of a live audience!
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.
This program has been made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the huntsville Arts & Cultural Grant Program.
Everyone Deserves Access to the Arts
Original Shows
WE HOST EVENTS YEAR ROUND TO INTEGRATE the COMMUNITY MORE FULLY.
Quality Entertainment for our Community
In addition to our weekly programming, the Happy Headquarters at Merrimack Hall produces two major showcases each calendar year. The Dream BIG! Showcase is held on the first Saturday of May, while our Holiday Showcases are slated for the beginning of December to kickstart the Holiday Season.
Each showcase is a comprehensive production with professional sound, lighting and costumes featuring original acts and dance numbers rehearsed in our Happy HeARTS classes.
As if that isn’t enough, our adults enrolled in the Happy Days program treat our community to a concert performance, accompanied by a professional band in the Spring and Fall. Music plays an integral part in all of our programs at Merrimack Hall, and we are privileged to see first hand how it positively impacts the lives of all at the Happy Headquarters.
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
