Florence Northcutt, 97, the longtime face of the Howland Cultural Center in Beacon, died May 17. She was born March 26, 1927.
From 1996 to 2017, Florence was the president of the Howland Cultural Center; she also volunteered for the nonprofit for nearly 40 years and advocated women artists.
“Florence will be remembered as a visionary and generous leader who cherished the ideals of cultivating an artistic, thriving cultural community,” said Theresa Kraft, the Howland Cultural Center’s current president.
In 2020, Florence received a lifetime achievement award from the Dutchess County executive for her service to the arts, and in 2022, the Howland center renamed its performance room as Northcutt Hall.
“When we started, Main Street was in bad shape; the buildings across the street were boarded up,” Florence told The Current in 2019. “After the library moved out of the center [in 1976], the group that saved the building began exhibiting art and hosting a few concerts. It was on its way.”
Florence was a speech therapist until her retirement. “No matter what you do in education, you have to be well-prepared, structured and creative,” she told The Current. “They say teaching is a combination of art and science, and the same is true of running the Howland Center.”.
There will be no wake or funeral service but a Celebration of Life will be held at the Howland Cultural Center. Memorial donations may be made to the Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 (howlandculturalcenter.org).
My heart is broken to hear of the passing of my dear friend and mentor. Florence taught me so much. I was in awe of her knowledge of arts and artists. Thank you Florence. Rest in Peace.
My heart is breaking. I have just learned of my dear friend’s passing. I lived across the street from her many years ago and have wonderful memories of our times spent together before I moved away. I was hoping to visit Beacon and see her this fall. All who knew her, loved her. The community has lost an amazing woman. May she rest in peace.