In 2002, the Foundation hosted two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author & historian, David McCullough, to New Albany as a guest lecturer. The event sold out within weeks. McCullough’s remarks were stimulating and inspiring. The community was buzzing about the event still months later.

One group, in particular, was inspired by McCullough. Perhaps to the surprise of many, New Albany High School students who attended the McCullough lecture were moved by his remarks. According to school officials, student essays and presentation themes for months centered on the American Revolution. Even more, the students were engaged in discussions about the importance of literature in American Society.

The success of McCullough's visit and the profound impact he had on the students prompted forward-thinking school and community leaders to consider perpetuating a lecture series designed to enrich the school curriculum as well as the residents of New Albany. The idea, that arts education should be a basic component of the public education curriculum, resonated with community leaders. The goal that drove leaders was not to produce artists, but rather, to produce complete, well-rounded people who are well-educated, appreciate art, culture, diversity and different forms of expression.

With this concept in mind, community leaders led by foundation and school leaders, began to discuss and explore the possibility of building a community center that could house educational and cultural offerings. Moreover, they investigated models that served both school and community needs.