Music Hall gets $3M donation from Martha Fuller Clark

The Music Hall on March 2 announced the largest gift in its history: a $3 million pledge from Martha Fuller Clark, a former state senator known for her philanthropy. In recognition of the donation, the organization’s recently acquired Congress Street property will be named The Music Hall’s Kearsarge House, in Honor of Dr. Geoffrey E. Clark, paying tribute to the legacy of her late husband, who died in 2023.

Clark’s pledge, according to the announcement, will support the continued preservation of the historic theater and “advance critical capital investments that strengthen the building’s safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability. These improvements ensure that The Music Hall’s architectural integrity is protected while elevating the experience for artists and audiences alike, preserving a landmark and enriching what happens within it.”

“For Geoffrey and me, The Music Hall has always represented the very best of Portsmouth, a place where history, creativity, and community meet,” said Fuller Clark in a prepared statement. “Honoring Geoffrey in this way is deeply meaningful to me and my children, and I hope this gift helps ensure that future generations can gather here, find joy here, and experience the sense of belonging that only live performance can create.”

Located on Congress Street, adjacent to The Music Hall’s historic theater, the Kearsarge House is a treasured Portsmouth building whose acquisition marked a significant step forward for the organization. Now under The Music Hall’s stewardship, the property expands its footprint in downtown Portsmouth and creates new opportunities for community engagement, programming, and connection.

“For generations, The Music Hall has been where our community gathers to celebrate, to reflect, to be inspired,” said acting President/CEO Joe Gleason in a prepared statement. “Martha’s extraordinary generosity ensures that this beloved landmark will continue to welcome audiences for years to come. As we look ahead to our 150th anniversary in 2028, this gift helps secure both our historic home and our future.”

Founded in 1878, The Music Hall welcomes more than 130,000 patrons annually, according to the announcement. Each year, audiences come together at The Music Hall for live performances, film, literary events, and moments of shared humanity.

The Music Hall on Chestnut Street in Portsmouth is seen Oct. 14, 2025. USA Today Network

“What happens inside these walls is more than entertainment, it’s transformation,” said chief development officer, Natalee Martin. “Martha’s leadership gift preserves the magic of live performance and propels it forward, ensuring that The Music Hall remains a place where people feel connected, inspired, and changed.”

Clark, a lifelong advocate for historic preservation and community life, has been connected to The Music Hall for decades. In the 1980s, she was among the original Friends of The Music Hall, a small group of concerned Seacoast citizens who worked to save and preserve the theater for future generations.

“Martha’s generosity reflects a profound commitment to stewardship,” said Jude Blake, The Music Hall Board Chair, in a prepared statement. “The Music Hall is one of Portsmouth’s great cultural treasures, and this investment safeguards what makes it so special while elevating what is possible for the future. It’s a powerful statement about the role the arts play in bringing a community together.”

A ribbon-cutting celebration and public unveiling of The Music Hall’s Kearsarge House, in Honor of Dr. Geoffrey E. Clark, will take place in spring 2026, with additional details to be announced.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Special to Seacoastonline, Portsmouth Herald / Portsmouth Herald