Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Friendship Hall — its history, how to rent it, and how to support its future. Can’t find your answer? Reach out anytime.
About Friendship Hall
What is Friendship Hall and why does it matter?
Friendship Hall is a historic community gathering space in Marshfield Hills, Massachusetts — and one of the South Shore’s most beloved neighborhood landmarks. Originally built in 1897 as the Clift Rodgers Library, it has served this community for over 125 years as a place for celebrations, meetings, performances, and everyday connection.
Today, Friendship Hall is home to community events, private rentals, youth programs, and neighborhood traditions — and is in the middle of a $475,000 capital restoration campaign to preserve its historic exterior for the next century.
What is the history of Friendship Hall?
Friendship Hall’s story spans more than 125 years of Marshfield Hills life:
- Built in 1897 in the Classical Revival style
- Designed by architect Henry Warren Rogers (1831–1919)
- Endowed as the Clift Rodgers Library — a gift to the community for gathering and learning
- Has served as a multi-use community space since the mid-20th century
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009
- Renamed Friendship Hall on May 5, 2024
- Friends of Friendship Hall 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in March 2025
Who uses Friendship Hall today?
Friendship Hall is open to the whole community. The hall welcomes thousands of visitors each year, including:
- Families hosting birthday parties, showers, anniversaries, and private celebrations
- Community groups, neighborhood associations, and town organizations
- Youth programs and children’s groups
- Wellness programs and fitness classes
- Theater productions and musical performances
- Businesses, nonprofits, and individuals hosting meetings and workshops
- Memorial services and life celebrations
Renting the Hall
What kinds of events can I host at Friendship Hall?
Friendship Hall is available for a wide range of private and community events, including:
- Birthday parties (adult and children’s)
- Bridal and baby showers
- Anniversary and retirement celebrations
- Family reunions and holiday gatherings
- Weddings and receptions
- Memorial services and life celebrations
- Community meetings and workshops
- Corporate off-sites and team gatherings
- Club meetings, classes, and recurring programs
What is the history of Friendship Hall?
Friendship Hall’s story spans more than 125 years of Marshfield Hills life:
- Built in 1897 in the Classical Revival style
- Designed by architect Henry Warren Rogers (1831–1919)
- Endowed as the Clift Rodgers Library — a gift to the community for gathering and learning
- Has served as a multi-use community space since the mid-20th century
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009
- Renamed Friendship Hall on May 5, 2024
- Friends of Friendship Hall 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in March 2025
How many people do the spaces hold?
Friendship Hall has multiple rooms to fit events of different sizes:
- Fellowship Hall — Up to 80 guests seated at tables, or up to 120 standing/reception-style. The main event space with original hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, and a stage.
- The Hughes Rooms — Seats 20–30 guests. Two connected rooms that can be used independently or together — ideal for showers, meetings, and intimate gatherings.
- Youth Wing & Rec Room — Accommodates up to 40 children. Open floor plan, durable surfaces, and easy cleanup — built for active kids’ events.
- Kitchen — Available with most rental packages. Fully equipped with range, refrigerator, prep counters, and a serving window to the main hall.
Is the kitchen available to renters?
Yes. The fully equipped kitchen is available with most rental packages. It includes a full-size range and oven, refrigerator, prep counters, and a serving window to the main hall — making it ideal for catered events, potlucks, and self-catered parties alike.
Renters are responsible for cleanup at the end of their event.
Is there parking at Friendship Hall?
Yes. Friendship Hall has on-site parking adjacent to the building, plus additional street parking along Old Main Street. For larger events, we recommend carpooling when possible.
The building also has an accessible entrance for guests with mobility needs.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance for weekend dates. Weekday and daytime availability is typically more flexible and can often be arranged with shorter notice.
Check the Calendar page for open dates, or contact us directly to ask about a specific day — we may have more flexibility than the calendar shows.
How do I inquire about renting the hall?
The easiest way is to fill out the inquiry form on our Rentals page — it takes about two minutes and gives us everything we need to check your date and get back to you. We typically respond within 48 hours.
You can also call us at (781) 837-3784 or email info@friendshiphall.org.
How do I inquire about renting the hall?
The easiest way is to fill out the inquiry form on our Rentals page — it takes about two minutes and gives us everything we need to check your date and get back to you. We typically respond within 48 hours.
You can also call us at (781) 837-3784 or email info@friendshiphall.org.
The Restoration Project
What repairs and improvements are planned?
The capital campaign is focused on preserving and restoring the exterior of Friendship Hall — the work needed to protect the building structurally for the next century. The project includes:
- Full infrastructure assessment and structural review
- Replacing exterior trim, gutters, and downspouts
- Repairing or replacing the portico ceiling
- Replacing all windows and repairing surrounds and headers
- Repairing columns and sills
- Painting all trim and columns
How much funding has been raised so far?
As of March 2026, we have raised $201,000 in private commitments toward our $475,000 goal.
Next steps for reaching our goal:
- Applying for CPC (Community Preservation Committee) funding — community support at public meetings is encouraged and makes a real difference
- Pursuing corporate, foundation, grant, and individual donations
- Hosting community fundraising events
What is the project timeline?
The restoration project is currently underway. Our working schedule:
- Spring 2026: Construction begins
- End of Q3 2026: Target completion
How was the contractor selected?
We ran a competitive bidding process to ensure the best value for our community’s investment:
- Bid packages sent to 7 qualified contractors
- Three bids were received and fully reviewed
- One contractor was selected following negotiations
How to Give
How can I donate to the capital campaign?
There are several ways to make a gift to Friendship Hall’s restoration:
- Online: Credit or debit card via our secure donation form at FriendshipHall.org/donate
- Check: Make payable to Friends of Friendship Hall and mail to PO Box 171, Marshfield Hills, MA 02051
- Donor-Advised Fund (DAF): We accept DAF grants. Our EIN is 33-4063176.
- Stock donations: Contact us to arrange a securities transfer
- Estate planning: Bequests and planned gifts are welcome — contact us for details
- IRA/RMD gifts: Qualified Charitable Distributions from your IRA count toward your Required Minimum Distribution
- Corporate matching: Check with your employer — many match charitable gifts dollar-for-dollar
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Friends of Friendship Hall is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Our Federal EIN is 33-4063176.
You will receive a written gift acknowledgment for any donation of $250 or more, suitable for your tax records. For gifts below $250, your bank or credit card statement serves as your receipt.
Can I give in honor or memory of someone?
Absolutely. Tribute gifts are a meaningful way to honor a loved one while supporting a community landmark they may have cared about.
To make an in-honor or in-memory gift, simply note the honoree’s name in the message field of the online donation form, or include it with a mailed check. If you’d like us to send a notification card to the family, let us know their mailing address and we’ll take care of it.
How else can I support Friendship Hall?
Beyond financial giving, there are many ways to be part of the effort:
- Spread the word — tell friends, family, and neighbors about the campaign
- Volunteer your time or offer in-kind services
- Attend or help organize a fundraising event
- Show up at CPC public meetings to express community support
- Follow us and share our posts on Facebook and Instagram
- Rent the hall for your next event — every rental fee directly supports restoration
Contact & Connect
Who do I contact for more information?
We’d love to hear from you — whether you have questions about the capital campaign, want to rent the hall, or just want to learn more about Friendship Hall.
The easiest way to reach us is through the Contact form on our website, or directly at:
- Phone: (781) 837-3784
- Email: info@friendshiphall.org
- Mailing address: PO Box 171, Marshfield Hills, MA 02051