Good News From Bethel Woods

A quarterly update designed to share news, tell stories, inspire creativity, and most importantly - make you smile.

A new season brings new opportunity.

It is with gratitude that we present this quarter’s Good News to you, our steadfast donors and champions, who help make magic here each and every day. It is because of your support, encouragement, and commitment that we are able to do what we do.

IN THE MUSEUM...

NEW FACES

We are so pleased to welcome fall oral history intern Will Kleffner! Will comes to Bethel Woods from the Cooperstown Graduate Program, where he is a History Museum Studies master's candidate.

Throughout the semester, he will collect stories from Woodstock alumni as part of our ongoing oral history initiative. We are excited to now host museum interns throughout the school year via in-semester programs with a successful model for blended remote and on-site work.

NEW WAYS TO EXPLORE THE GROUNDS

From September 16-20, we hosted a pilot program to develop a new art and architecture festival based on the model of Hello Wood in Europe. Hello Wood is a hands-on, design-build education platform focused on innovative and sustainable design solutions using wood as a primary construction material.

Professors and students from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Syracuse University, and Texas Tech University were on-site participating in an intensive design-build camp resulting in three installations that are now placed on the site.

Art installations were an integral part of the 1969 Woodstock festival. The “art crew,” under the direction of Professor Bill Ward from the University of Miami, designed and built all-wood installations that became part of what was known as the Playground. The development of an art and architecture festival at Bethel Woods ties the past to the present and offer something new to build upon at Bethel Woods.

The 2021 Hello Wood pilot project at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has been made possible through a major donation by Andrew Jacobson and with support for tools and materials by Home Depot.

We are so excited of our newest event, Peace, Love & Pumpkins. This enchanting walk-thru experience guides guests through our garden trails, bringing them face-to-face with glowing jack-o-lantern art and delightful Halloween displays. There are more than 5,000 pumpkins accenting our grounds!

Peace, Love & Pumpkins gives our community more opportunity for shared experiences on our grounds during a time when there previously was not. It runs nightly thru October 31 - we hope to see some of you there!

PUMPKIN PATCH — This event is presented by The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark and sponsored by The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association.

ON THE PAVILION STAGE...

We saw so many of our favorite faces during Backstage At Bethel Woods over the summer - our first-ever fundraising dinner taking place on and backstage. Despite 22 months of silence on the Pavilion stage, our evening back together highlighted the importance of Bethel Woods’ many programs beyond the mainstage. Your support fuels the magic that helps young people find their voices today - ultimately nurturing the artists of tomorrow. The students of P.L.A.Y. Rock Camp’s rendition of Stand By Me was a reminder that you stood by us during this difficult year. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Students from P.L.A.Y. Rock Camp perform on the Pavilion stage as part of Backstage at Bethel Woods.

Despite 22 months of silence on the Pavilion stage, our evening back together highlighted the importance of Bethel Woods’ many programs beyond the mainstage.

The evening included a lively auction, sit-down meal, and performance by The Bacon Brothers.

The backstage area was activated like never before - including pop-up exhibits in the dressing rooms.

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS...

We hope you'll participate in our Silent Auction, live now thru October 22. With your help, all funds raised will sustain arts education programs, historic preservation efforts, and The Museum at Bethel Woods.

Our silent auction gives you access to one-of-a-kind experiences, signed memorabilia, and exclusive items as you support our nonprofit organization.

Just Added!

+ Signed Chris Stapleton Guitar.

+ Richie Havens Woodstock Photo.

+ Joan Baez Woodstock Photo.

+ Commemorative Woodstock 50th Anniversary Poster.

BROWSE, BID & BUY HERE.

Other ways to get involved

Amazon Smile - Set it Once, Give Every Time

When you use AmazonSmile.com, you purchase the same products at the same prices but Amazon donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Set it once; give every time you shop.

Go to Amazon Smile
Annual Fund - Inspiring the Spirit of Giving
Give a smile. Make a wish come true. Open doors for aspiring artists and musicians.

Annual Fund Donor Recognition Program giving levels:

CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE $50,000+

CEO'S CIRCLE $25,000 - $49,999

CONDUCTOR'S CIRCLE $10,000 - $24,999

BENEFACTOR'S CIRCLE $5,000 - $9,999

SUSTAINER'S CIRCLE $2,500 - $4,999

ASSOCIATE'S CIRCLE $1,000 - $2,499

ENCORE CIRCLE $500 - $999

INVESTOR'S CIRCLE $250 - $499

GARDEN CIRCLE $100 - $249

PEACE CIRCLE $1 - $99

Please consider contributing to our Annual Fund today. Call (845) 295-2501 or submit a contribution here.
Create a Personal Touchstone at Bethel Woods

Become a permanent part of Bethel Woods when you purchase an anniversary paver. Placed along the pathway at the entrance to Bethel Woods, your personalized message is a lasting symbol of your special memories of this place – and your continued support of our mission.

About the Paver Program
You can help Bethel Woods grow and expand its offerings, including the opening up of a newly restored trail system in the Bindy Bazaar Trails. The paver program also helps support special exhibits, museum programming, and preservation projects.
Planned Giving

Legacy giving is at the heart of the non-profit world. It establishes connections, ensures survival, and makes dreams possible – to the organizations, the donors, and those who benefit from such a generous act.

Bethel Woods works with you and your team to arrange bequests, life insurance, gifts of real estate, retirement plan assets, charitable gift annuity, and charitable trusts. Planned giving allows you to protect the inheritance of your loved ones, while making a meaningful gift to an organization you care about. Help us provide educational programming, community outreach, museum programs, and more for all ages.

Contact our Development Office today to begin your Bethel Woods legacy at (845) 295-2501.
The Williams Endowed Education Fund

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Williams of Dover, NJ and Bethel, NY established the Williams Endowed Education Fund at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. The fund provides tuition assistance for children and youth to participate in current and future programming, and transportation assistance for the children and youth of the Hudson Valley Region.

Help the young people of our region discover their own potential and consider making a contribution to The Williams Endowed Education Fund. Complete our secure online donation form, and choose “Endowment,” under 'Area of Interest'.

Thank you for your support yesterday, today, and always.

With each passing year, it is clear that the most significant part of our story is the people who have touched our organization. For more information on What's Happening this month, please click here.

Good News - Fall 2021