Americal Civic Center continues free Lecture Series to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its dedication

(Wakefield, MA) – The Americal Civic Center Association will continue its popular lectures series celebrating the 100th anniversary celebration of the historic building at 467 Main Street in Wakefield with a Fall Lecture Series sponsored by the Wakefield Co-operative Bank. The next lecture on Wakefield history will resume on Wednesday, October 16th at 7 p.m.

            The lecture on Wednesday will again present a topic of great interest, “The Wakefield Armory;” and on November 13th with the presentation of “The Buildings of Wakefield” by Nancy Bertrand.

The lectures will be held in the Heritage Room at the Americal Civic Center, beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Americal Civic Center

Built as a State Armory, the Americal Civic Center was dedicated on January 15, 1913.  The building was used by a number of military companies during the first half of the 20th century, including Company A of the Richardson Light Guard, and the Americal Division, which fought in the Pacific Theatre of Operations during World War II.

The building later became a Massachusetts National Guard Armory until the Town of Wakefield purchased it in 1975. The building was officially rededicated as the Americal Civic Center on April 21, 1976 following a town-wide contest to name the building. The name was selected by townspeople to honor the Americal Division. 

            The building, long known as a ‘jewel’ in the Town of Wakefield, has undergone substantial renovations since 1975 and has become a meeting place and office space for local organizations, community groups, civic groups and other non-profit and profit groups and companies. Initially maintained by the Department of Public Works, the Civic Center closed briefly, from 1981 to 1983, and was reopened on a self-sustaining basis under the management of the nonprofit Americal Civic Center Association in 1983.

Although it was built as an armory, the Americal Civic Center still maintains its neo-Classical style of architecture, with its two-story portico and full-height columns.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, and is used for public meetings and events.

            Additional information about the 100th anniversary celebration and lecture series can be obtained by calling 781-246-5424 or contacting via email americalciviccenter@verizon.net.