Gloucester City Hall has been in continuous use as the center of government, first for the Town and , after 1873, for the newly incorporated City of Glouceste. From the time of its completion, City Hall has been the location of the offices of the Mayor, City Clerk, Treasurer and City Solicitor, as well as many other administrative departments.
Christmas Party, circa 1900
(photo courtesy Cape Ann Museum)
5th Grade Dancers at the GPS Arts Festival, 2008
The spacious and handsome two-story auditorium provides meeting space for the City Council and is the location for public hearings and other events. The large auditorium has served the City in many other ways over the years. Since its beginning, it has served as a place where Gloucester residents come together to consider public policy matters and to share entertainment and educational experiences. As one of the City’s largest public spaces, it has been in constant demand by non-profit and other community groups to present major programs and activities. It has hosted circuses and a Buffalo Bill show. Older Gloucester residents remember playing or watching basketball games there in their youth. The range of entertainment and educational programs has been wide: boxing matches, Halloween parties, lectures, dance programs, concerts and plays have created a continuing vibrancy. During the City’s 375th anniversary celebration, the auditorium was the venue for a groundbreaking sculpture exhibition “America’s Sculptural Heritage - Anchored in Gloucester”.