THREE RIVERS - The Palmer Historical & Cultural Center (PHCC) is a multipurpose performance and event space that provides a location for cultural events, ranging from historical presentations, entertainment, educational and live performing arts, dances and, on occasion, plays.

Established in 2012, PHCC is a volunteer board and 501(c)3 organization. PHCC President Bob Haveles noted they are always looking for people who are willing to volunteer at events and more. Whether it’s helping at concessions, taking tickets, setting up the hall or those who may have passion and interest for potentially serving on the board, Haveles said they can use the assistance.

The initial vision for PHCC came to fruition when Haveles recalled attending a bluegrass gospel performance in the Union Evangelical Church. Following the event, Haveles found out that the church was looking to sell the building. From there, Haveles and was able to negotiate the ownership of the facility and re-purpose the building as the Palmer Historical and Cultural Center.

“As an architect, I have an appreciation for older structures and buildings,” Haveles said. “When I heard the building was going to be up for sale, I was very concerned about preserving it and making sure the building doesn’t become abandoned or razed. I wanted to preserve the history of the town. If we could re-purpose it and keep it going, that was the goal. To keep that as part of the historical fabric of downtown Three Rivers.”

He continued, “Essentially what we wanted to do was to bring, not only to the Palmer community, but also the region, a venue that keeps history alive and would provide a very diversified cultural enriching programming. We want to be able to tell the history that has taken place – whether it be globally, nationally or on a local level serving the local surrounding communities. We want to become known as a regional cultural offering venue.”

Since 2012, PHCC has provided a multitude of diversified events ranging from lectures, educational workshops, live musical performances, plays and youth entertainment.

Their signature fundraiser, the Christmas Tree & Wreath Festival which takes place the first two weeks in December, has been popular over the years. The fundraiser started with 10 trees, and has grown over the years to 50 trees and wreaths.

The PHCC, according to Haveles, has hosted local performers that were “just getting started” and are now touring internationally.

The PHCC has hosted nationally known entertainers from Nashville and other areas of the country and international performers from Canada, England, Scotland, Poland and Ireland.

Performances included various tribute bands that played familiar hits from bands such as the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Gordon Lightfoot, The Eagles, Simon and Garfunkel and more, along with others playing classical, bluegrass, folk and rock. “There is a bit of everything and for everyone at PHCC,” Haveles replied.

According to Haveles, PHCC hit a rough patch during the coronavirus pandemic as they were forced to close and went without income for 20 months. Prior to COVID-19, PHCC had workshops and live music performances scheduled, all of which were canceled. The group had to figure out how to stay connected to their patrons and the community when they were not able to have in-person events. In doing so, PHCC increased their broadband width to position them to be able to host virtual events and potentially streaming events for those who can’t travel or attend an event in-person. PHCC hopes to offer on more virtual events on a regular basis starting this coming fall.

PHCC started to rebound toward the end of 2021 with a few shows, but then COVID-19 made its return. Finally reopening in March, the welcomed back attendees with a Patsy Cline tribute, and have more concerts and programs planned through June.

PHCC is teaming up with Sanderson MacLeod Inc. for a job fair tentatively planned for April 27 from 4 - 6 p.m. This job fair is focused on the manufacturing industry. Those seeking jobs should visit PHCC’s website for event updates or listen to Pioneer Classic Hits 97.7 FM and 1250 AM for updates on the event in the weeks to come.

September 2022 will be the start of their 10-year anniversary of programming at PHCC. Haveles said they are working on the anniversary programming now and look forward to their special year.

Haveles said a positive outcome of COVID-19 is their collaboration with the Palmer Public Library, both in sharing program promotions and recording oral histories of residents and the rich history of the town’s four villages. Additionally, PHCC has been approached by the Brookfield Institute, an organization that works with veterans. PHCC is looking to get volunteers who might be interested in recording oral histories from veterans.

“[These are] two great programs where volunteers are needed to accomplish these goals,” Haveles added.

He continued, “It’s a passion to make sure sharing the knowledge of history stays alive and we get to do that, by preserving the building and putting it to good use. We do that by offering diverse programs that are affordably priced to the market area.”

The Palmer Historical & Cultural Center is located at 2072 Main St. in Three Rivers. Those interested in getting involved can email palmerhcc@gmail.com, or check out their website at www.palmerhcc.org.