About Our Project
Returning a Historic Hudson Building to its Former Glory
In its rehabilitated form, the Armory on the Assabet will promote local arts initiatives, support economic growth, provide inclusive community spaces and preserve the rich lineage of a building known for its extensive service to the community.
Our Values
Building Community with Purpose and Passion
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Accountability
We measure and evaluate our impact with integrity and report openly on our progress and outcomes to our community members, stakeholders, team, donors and funders.
Excellence
We strive to offer a variety of exceptional cultural experiences in a state-of-the-art facility.
Inclusion
Creating a safe space where community members, visitors, team members and volunteers are welcome, honoring the culture of every individual.
Mindfulness & Respect
We respect the history of the Hudson Armory, the facility and architecture, its grounds, and the Assabet River that flows by the communities we serve.
Sustainability & Stewardship
We manage our resources and financial support responsibly.
Vision in Action
A Center for Arts & Culture
Building Connections
The Armory on the Assabet will foster community connections among residents of Hudson and surrounding communities with shared interests by welcoming historical and veterans groups and supporting local youth, senior citizens and cultural organizations. This will promote the building’s history and provide a meeting place.
Unleash Your Creativity
Through strategic partnerships, the iconic Armory building offers a variety of events and workshops catering to the interests of children, youth, adults and seniors. Workshops may include pottery with a community kiln, visual art studios, music lessons, photography, podcasting, and decorative arts.
Experiences to Remember
Built by Fenway Park’s architect James E. McLaughlin, the Armory building has served as a military facility, dance hall, voting site, and training center, and the Armory on the Assabet will showcase its history through public exhibitions of historical resources and artifacts.
Celebrate Community
With an open floor plan and outdoor event areas along the river, the Armory on the Assabet will host a variety of public events. Examples may include Farmer’s markets, library book sales and other gatherings that will take advantage of the unique space.
Our team
Committed to Community & Cultural Engagement
The Hudson Cultural Alliance was established with the understanding that personal growth and socio-economic stability derive from a community’s active engagement and investment in arts and culture.
Board of Directors
Tom Desmond
Tom Desmond is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who spent 34 years in the military. Originally trained as a Logistics Officer, Tom had varied assignments as a Medical Services Officer, General Foreman of a Direct Support Maintenance facility and as the Massachusetts National Guard State Safety and Occupational Health Manager. During his career, Tom had assignments in Turkey and Germany.
As the Human Resources Officer Tom managed the civilian personnel data system and management analysis programs for the Massachusetts National Guard. Tom finished his career as the Massachusetts National Guard’s Equal Employment Manager and State Diversity Coordinator. In this capacity, he analyzed demographics and trends for hiring, conducted diversity training and implemented community outreach activities with minority groups.
Upon his retirement, Tom became active in Town affairs. He’s currently Chairperson of the Hudson Public Library Trustees and President and Founding Member of the Hudson Cultural Alliance/Hudson Armory Project.
Tom has a Bachelor of Arts in History from Northeastern University and Master’s Degrees in Library Science and Work Environment Policy.
Originally from Newton, MA, Tom has been a resident of Hudson, MA for 36 years. He’s married to Patricia (Mullin) Desmond.
Charles Randall
Charles Randall is a Certified Public Accountant, Hudson Main Street Business Property Owner, Military Veteran and Town resident for 25 plus years. Charles currently serves on a number of key committees to include the Executive Board of the Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Board/Treasurer Hudson Downtown Business Improvement District. Charles served on Executive Search Committee, Hudson 150th Committee, Town of Hudson. Charles completed his Undergraduate and Graduate studies at George Mason University, Fairfax Virginia.
Charles’ professional experience includes 14 years as a Partner in Public Accounting, 15 years in private corporate entities-Controller/ CFO/ Treasurer and more recently as a Property Owner/Manager Commercial Main Street Hudson.
Charles is active in a variety of municipal activities and is a strong supporter, founder, and Treasurer of the Hudson Armory acquisition, renovation, and development in the Hudson Downtown.
Pat Luoto
Dr. Patricia Kelly Luoto, Professor Emeritus of Framingham State University, taught for 32 years in the Food and Nutrition Department, serving as Chairperson and Director of the John C. Stalker Institute of Food and Nutrition. Pat ended her academic career as the Project Director for the Framingham State Food Study in partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College, Master of Science in food and nutrition from Framingham State College, and EdD from Boston University. In retirement, Pat is active in the town currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Hudson Community Food Pantry, Co-Chair of the Hudson Cultural Council, and a member of the Hudson Cultural Alliance, Board of Directors, Secretary/Clerk.
She is married to George Luoto; they have resided in Hudson for the past 48 years where each of them has been active in the schools, church, town and sports activities with their two sons and grandsons.
Leadership Team
Organizing Committee
Our Supporters
Proud Partners of The Armory On The Assabet
With special grants from
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FAQ
Common Questions
Who is coordinating the Project?
The Armory on the Assabet’s purchasing, fundraising, renovation, programming and eventual operations are being run by the Hudson Cultural Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the town’s history while driving arts and culture forward.
How is this project being funded?
The purchase of the building was funded by an earmark from Senator Jamie Eldridge and Representative Kate Hogan. We have received 2 matching grants from the Mass Cultural Council and other grant sources.. Additional funding is coming through fundraising efforts with Hudson’s Business Improvement District, local organizations, businesses, restaurants, and individuals.
Where is the funding being used?
Funding was used to purchase the building from the Commonwealth. Other sources of funding have been used for architectural study including hiring an architect and developing plans to bring the building up to safety and accessibility codes leading to the first steps of design development.. Additionally, funding has been used to provide an operational structure consisting of a strategic plan, feasibility study, business plan and marketing. Lastly, funds have provided limited programming taking place on the Armory grounds.
How can I volunteer my time?
If you’re interested in helping support our efforts, please contact us