In 2002, the New Albany Community Foundation approached the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) to inquire if CML would build a library branch in New Albany if the Foundation would donate the book collections and computers.  CML had owned property in New Albany for some time, but had not proceeded with building a New Albany Branch Library due to budget constraints.  CML responded favorably to the Foundation’s partnership proposal and a fundraising campaign began.

To raise the targeted $1 million for the book collections, the Foundation brought Pulitzer Prize winning author, David McCullough, to New Albany as a guest lecturer.  The event, called “A Remarkable Evening” and hosted at the Wexner Party Barn in October ‘02, raised over $1.2 million for the library book collections.  Moreover, 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 McCullough lecture’s success and profound impact 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 for 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 is 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.