Exciting News from Shanklin Music Hall

The Shanklin Music Hall Foundation (SMHF) is pleased to announce an important step forward in ensuring the long-term future of its mission and facilities.

After careful planning and collaboration, the Shanklin Music Hall Foundation has entered into a phased partnership with the American Theater Organ Society (ATOS), the national organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the unique history and presence of the American Theater Pipe Organ.

This partnership is designed to build on the strengths of both organizations while embracing the vision of founders Sarah & Garrett Shanklin: to preserve, to present, and to educate the public about the American Theater Pipe Organ art form.

With this alliance:

• The Shanklin Music Hall will continue to operate as a renowned premier performance and educational venue.
• The SMH Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ will remain central to all programming and preservation efforts.
• ATOS will gradually assume and expanded role in SMH’s programming, leadership, and engagements.
• The Shanklin Music Hall will grow in its role as the “brick & motar” National Headquarters for ATOS in support of both of their missions.

This transition is being implemented thoughtfully and in phases, allowing for ontinuity, stability, and shared learning between the organizations.

SMHF has strengthened its Board of Directors with the addition of some exceptionally experienced, independent members, ensuring long-term governance, stability, and alignment with Sarah & Garrett Shanklin’s vision and intent.

Most importantly, this partnership allows the Shanklin family- whose vision created and cared for this extraordinary Music Hall – to begin stepping back with confidence, knowing that what they nurtured will continue to grow and be carried forward. Over time, ATOS will take on a growing role in leadership and operations. This will ensure continuity and stability well into the future as Molly & Norm Shanklin begin to share in the evolution as mentors and ambassadors.

This partnership represents a unique opportunity to bring together a world-class facility and a global organization united by a shared mission. Together, SMHF and ATOS are well-positioned to expand programming, preserve important historical resources, and engage new and growing audiences.