NOVEMBER 1977 - 38 acres are donated for a performing arts center
In November 1977, June Baumgardner Gelbart donates a 38-acre parcel of land to the City of Clearwater in the name of Kapok Tree Inns Corporation. The memorial gift, given in honor of Richard B. Baumgardner, Sr., includes the stipulation that the land be used for a performing arts center and that development begin by early 1980.

FEBRUARY 6, 1978 - PACT, Inc. is established
In 1978, residents of the community choose a Board of Directors and establish the Performing Arts Center and Theater, Inc. (PACT, Inc.), a private, non-profit organization that would build, finance, and direct all operational activities.

The prestigious Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation in Arizona, headed by Chief Architect William Wesley Peters, designs and directs the building of Ruth Eckerd Hall, the first facility on the site. The foundation had designed and built performing arts facilities in Arizona, California, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, as well as the Van Wezel in Sarasota. Enterprise Building Corporation, headed by Ed Proefke, is hired to construct the Hall.

Total cost of the facility is $14.5 million. The private sector raises $9 million, prompting ten lending institutions to grant a $5.5 million, 25-year mortgage loan, guaranteed by the local municipalities of Clearwater and Dunedin, Pinellas County, and Newhouse Broadcasting Group.

DECEMBER 15, 1979 - Ground Breaking ceremony is held
Close to 300 people attend the official groundbreaking ceremonies for what would be Ruth Eckerd Hall at the Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Performing Arts.

OCTOBER 25, 1980 - Date of incorporation

NOVEMBER 1980 - Arnold N. Breman is first Executive Director of PACT, Inc.
Hailing from Clemens Performing Arts Center in Elmira, New York, Breman becomes the first Executive Director of PACT, Inc.

OCTOBER 15, 1983 - Ruth Eckerd Hall is dedicated
The Hall is completed in October 1983, with a dedication ceremony featuring local dignitaries and the Florida Gulf Coast Symphony (now the Florida Orchestra). On October 16, 1983, the first official performance takes place on stage featuring the Suzuki Children of Japan. The performance is sold out.

NOVEMBER 18, 1986 - Governor's Design Award presented by the State of Florida
Ruth Eckerd Hall is a 73,000 square-foot facility boasting the 2,184-seat auditorium as its main feature. Architects designed the Hall's continental-style seating with no center aisles to bring the audience closer to the performers and afford an ideal view from all seats. In November 1986, the State of Florida recognizes the Baumgardner Center for excellence in facility development by presenting it with the 1986 Governor's Design Award.

NOVEMBER 4, 1987 - Arts education facility is dedicated
In November 1987, the center's arts education facility is dedicated as The PACT Institute for the Performing Arts and commits itself to providing the finest educational experiences in the performing arts to all in the community. Located adjacent to Ruth Eckerd Hall, The PACT Institute administers the Adventures in the Arts programs which include In-School-Time performances, classes, and workshops in theater, music, and dance for children and adults, Weekend Family Theater presentations, Master classes, and pre-performance lectures and demonstrations. Its Community Arts Education program introduces workshops, classes and family performances to underserved areas of the community through cooperative ventures with local agencies, corporations, and schools.

In 1988, Eckerd Theater Company (ETC) is formed as the resident children's theater company. ETC presents exciting and imaginative adaptations of the finest children's literature as well as original plays for young people. The company employs professional directors, actors, artists, and technicians. In 1991, the ensemble initiates a tour program throughout Florida and the southeast.

MARCH 5, 1990 - Elissa O. Getto named Executive Director of PACT, Inc. and PAC Foundation, Inc.
Getto is named Executive Director of both PACT, Inc. and the Performing Arts Center Foundation, Inc. after overseeing operations of the Hall for six months as its Interim Executive Director. She served as the Director of Education of The PACT Institute for the Performing Arts since 1987.

SEPTEMBER 1991 - Ruth Eckerd Hall designated as a Major Cultural Institution
Demonstrating a sustained level of artistic excellence as well as continued financial stability, Ruth Eckerd Hall is designated a Major Cultural Institution by the State of Florida, making it the only performing arts center in the state to receive the designation.

NOVEMBER 25, 1992 - Wall of Stars is dedicated
Prior to the Tommy Tune performance on November 25, 1992, thirty-two of Ruth Eckerd Hall's major donors are recognized in a dedication ceremony for the Wall of Stars. The farsighted donors, whose gifts ranged from $150,000 to $2 million, are honored with individual bronze plaques on the wall, with levels of cumulative giving indicated by raised bronze stars under each plaque.

OCTOBER 29, 1993 - Rededication of the Hall marks the beginning of the year-long Tenth Anniversary celebration
Prior to the October 29, 1993 performance of the St. Petersburg (formerly the Leningrad) Philharmonic Orchestra, a rededication ceremony is held on the stage of Ruth Eckerd Hall. Immediately after the performance, all members of the audience are invited to a champagne and dessert reception held throughout the Hall.

MAY 1, 1995 - Nancy Sullivan Skinner named Executive Director & CEO of PACT, Inc. and PAC Foundation, Inc.
Skinner joins PACT, Inc. and PAC Foundation from Miami where since 1990 she had served as Managing Director of the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts.

JULY 1997 - Les Smout appointed Interim Executive Director

JANUARY 1998 - Len Van Noord appointed Executive Director of PAC Foundation, Inc.

FEBRUARY 1998 - Mark Alexander appointed Interim Executive Director of PACT, Inc.

AUGUST 10, 1998 - Robert A. Freedman named Executive Director of PACT, Inc.
Freedman joins PACT Inc. as a result of a national search. He comes to Ruth Eckerd Hall from the California Center for the Arts in Escondido where he had full responsibility for the operation and management of an $81 million arts complex including two theaters, an art museum, and a full service conference center.

AUGUST 16, 1999 - Robert A. Freedman title changed to President & CEO of PACT, Inc.

AUGUST 16, 1999 - Kathy Short Rabon named Executive Director of PAC Foundation, Inc.
Rabon, actively involved in the Clearwater community for many years with service on over 15 Boards of Directors for various organizations including PAC Foundation, assumes the top position for PAC Foundation. Prior to her position with Ruth Eckerd Hall, Rabon was President/CEO of the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce.

SEPTEMBER 1999 - Eckerd Theater Company showcases at Southern Arts Exchange
Eckerd Theater Company achieves a new benchmark as it is selected to perform for national arts presenters at the Southern Arts Federation's annual conference.

MARCH 2000 - Ruth Eckerd Hall ranked #1 in Cultural Institution Program
Ruth Eckerd Hall receives highest recognition for its programming, educational endeavors, and quality of staff and boards in the state of Florida's prestigious Cultural Institutions Program.

MAY 2000 - Ruth Eckerd Hall's Setting The Stage For Future Generations Capital Campaign launched
Following months of intensive case preparation work with campaign consultants, the capital campaign quiet phase commences under the leadership of PAC Foundation Executive Director Kathy Short Rabon, PACT President & CEO Robert A. Freedman, PAC Foundation Board Chairman Dan Mann, PACT Board Chairman Barry Alpert, Honorary Campaign Chairperson Ruth B. Eckerd, and Campaign Chairman James M. Cantonis. Also leading the effort are Pacesetting Team Honorary Co-Chairs Frederick E. Fisher and Gus A. Stavros, Leadership Team Co-Chairs Ann Wilkins Duncan and Kenneth G. Hamilton, and Board Team Co-Chairs L. Douglas Bailey and Joshua Magidson. The Eckerd Family lead challenge gift of $5 million anchors the launch of the $21 million campaign.

March 19, 2001 - Public announcement of the Setting The Stage For Future Generations Capital Campaign
The public announcement is made at an afternoon press conference and The Crystal Ball gala dinner is held in the Margarete Heye Great Room that evening for all quiet phase donors. The campaign Public Phase Chairman is David P. Stone.

JUNE 11, 2001 - Ground Breaking ceremony for new Educational Institute
Remarks by the State of Florida Education Commissioner Charlie Crist highlight the ceremony, which includes recognition of the community support that was responsible for the initial construction of Ruth Eckerd Hall as well as for the vision leading to the present campaign.

DECEMBER 12, 2001 - $1 Million Kresge Challenge Grant awarded to Capital Campaign
The prestigious Kresge Foundation awards Ruth Eckerd Hall a stunning $1 million for its new renovation and expansion effort.

JANUARY 2002 - Eckerd Theater Company performs at International Showcase
Eckerd Theater Company performs its touching Holocaust-based work, I Never Saw Another Butterfly, in the premier showcase for theater for young audiences.

SEPTEMBER 5, 2002 - The Margarete Heye Great Room re-opens
After being closed for 3 months, the renovated Great Room re-opens for community use.

NOVEMBER 2002 - Ruth Eckerd Hall nominated for Pollstar's Theater of the Year Award

DECEMBER 2002 - Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute Named
The receipt of a major gift from the Hoffman family results in the naming of the new state-of-the-art Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute. The new education facility includes three studio classrooms, four private teaching studios, the Michael & Joan Kline Dance Studio, the Henrietta Campbell Rehearsal Studio, a media broadcast laboratory, a visual arts learning lab, and the new 182-seat Murray Studio Theater.

DECEMBER 4, 2002 - Approval from PACT, Inc. Board of Directors to complete the balance of the renovation and expansion project with funding arrangement from local banks as necessary

DECEMBER 30, 2002 - Criteria met for $1 million Kresge Challenge grant
Contributions from over 750 donors help raise the $20 million necessary to earn the $1 million challenge grant by the December 31st deadline.

DECEMBER, 2002 - Capital Campaign exceeds original goal of $22 million
As 2002 ends, nearly $23 million has been raised towards the Setting The Stage For Future Generations Campaign. The new Campaign goal is extended to $28 million.

JANUARY 2003 - Marcia P. Hoffman Institute for the Performing Arts dedicated
Culminating the first phase of its $28-million capital campaign, Ruth Eckerd Hall marked the completion of its new educational institute with a series of special events to thank the community and acknowledge its major donors.

JANUARY 23, 2003 - Thank You Gala hosted inside the new Institute
Invitation-only reception is the premier opening event of the new Performing Arts Institute.

JANUARY 31, 2003 - Inaugural Performance in the new 182-seat Murray Studio Theater
The celebratory evening begins with dinner in the Margarete Heye Great Room, followed by the premier performance inside the new Murray Studio Theater. The program includes Ruth Eckerd Hall Scholarship recipients, Ruth Eckerd Hall vocal students, The Florida Orchestra Chamber Players, and former Ruth Eckerd Hall scholarship winner and special guest Quentin Darrington. The Florida Orchestra Chamber Players' performance includes the premier of a piece composed by Principal Bassoonist Mark Sforzini and commissioned by Ray and Nancy Murray.

FEBRUARY 2, 2003 - Grand Community Open House for new Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute
Following a musical procession from the old education building to the new Institute, speakers including Mayor of Clearwater Brian Aungst and Pinellas County Commissioner Karen Seel discuss the importance of the new facility. Members of the Hoffman family cut the ribbon, officially opening the Institute. The open house allows the public inside the new space for the first time, where they participate in sample classes, meet instructors and staff, tour the Institute and more.

MAY 2003 - Phase Two of construction commences
The renovation and expansion of Ruth Eckerd Hall's main stage auditorium commenced on May 15. It will re-open November 1, 2003, with new amenities for patrons and artists. New seating configuration brings capacity of auditorium to 2,180.

OCTOBER 29, 2003 - Grand Re-Opening Gala hosted to re-open auditorium
Approximately 700 guests enjoyed touring the newly renovated backstage, Dress Circle Room, lobby, and auditorium spaces with new patina colored seats, carpet, and main-stage curtain. Construction of Dimmitt Family Atrium Lounge and Grand Concourse continues.

OCTOBER 30, 2003 - First show, G-3, is presented in the renovated facility

FEBRUARY 4, 2004 - Grand opening of the Dimmitt Family Atrium Lounge
140 guests enjoyed buffet and beverages with Larry Dimmitt, Jr. and his wife, Marge, cutting the ribbon with children Eileen, Richard, and Lawrence III.

FEBRUARY 5, 2004 -Official Grand Opening of the Grand Concourse
Mayor Brian Aungst, Ken Hamilton, David Stone, Bill Nodine, Josh Magidson, and Pat Fletcher cut the official ribbon.

FEBRUARY 6, 2004 - First event, Christopher Still Exhibit, is presented in the Grand Concourse

FEBRUARY 7, 2004 - First public performance, Don Rickles and Tony Danza, is presented
since opening of Grand Concourse

MAY 19, 2004 - Jack Eckerd, one of the founders of the Hall, businessman, and philanthropist, passes away

OCTOBER 2004 - History making partnership with Progress Energy, who agrees to sponsor the entire season of performances, announced

FEBRUARY 18, 2005 - Construction kick-off luncheon held for Challener-Morrow Production Studios
Guests enjoyed lunch and dessert with Bob Challener and Nelson Morrow honoring their long-time support of and dedication to the arts. The renovations to the original education building, which will become the production studios, are made possible by a financial donation from Ray and Nancy Murray.

MARCH 2005 - Ruth Eckerd Hall named by Pollstar the number one in ticket sales in the Southeast for theaters with 2,500 seats or fewer

JULY 2005 - Renovations completed on Challener-Morrow Production Studios

OCTOBER 2005 - Partnership continues with Progress Energy, sponsor for the entire season of performances for the second year

JULY 28, 2006 - Ruth Eckerd, namesake and one of the founders of the Hall, passes away

AUGUST 2006 - Robert A. Freedman named Executive Director of PAC Foundation, Inc.
In addition to his responsibilities as President and CEO of PACT, Inc., the Board of the PAC Foundation names Freedman Executive Director

OCTOBER 2006 - Partnership continues with Progress Energy, sponsor for the entire season of performances for the third year.

MARCH 2007 - Both Boards of Directors unanimously approve name change
The Hall’s operating side and foundation were renamed Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. and Ruth Eckerd Hall Foundation, Inc. Previously, they had been known as Performing Arts Center & Theater, Inc. (PACT, Inc.) and Performing Arts Center Foundation, Inc. (PAC Foundation, Inc.). These name changes were put into place to help brand the Hall with only one name throughout the community and across the country and help to simplify the name of the Hall on all paperwork for donors, members, sponsors, and employees.

MARCH 2007 - Robert A. Freedman title changed to President & CEO of Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. and Ruth Eckerd Hall Foundation, Inc. to correspond with the name changes of both organizations.

APRIL 2007 - Ruth Eckerd Hall ranked ninth for the first quarter of 2007 in ticket sales according to Pollstar

JULY 2007 - Lexus becomes The Official Vehicle of Ruth Eckerd Hall as a multi-year partnership is announced benefiting patrons that own Lexus vehicles with free parking

JULY 2007 - Ruth Eckerd Hall ranked eighth in the world for total tickets sold by Pollstar

OCTOBER 2007 - Partnership continues with Progress Energy, sponsor for the entire season of performances for the fourth year

DECEMBER 2007 - Ruth Eckerd Hall ranked seventh in the world for Gross Ticket Sales by Billboard Magazine

APRIL 2008 - 25th anniversary season performances celebrated with Spectrum Dance Theater’s debut work by Tony Award®-nominated Artistic Director Donald Byrd. This world premiere was danced to A Suite for Ruth, a jazz piece composed by Dave Koz and David Benoit for the Hall’s 20th anniversary. Suite for Ruth was performed live by five-time Grammy® nominee David Benoit.

APRIL 2008 - POLLSTAR magazine ranks Ruth Eckerd Hall sixth in ticket sales among theaters with 5,000 or fewer seats in the world for the first quarter of 2008

JULY 2008 - BILLBOARD magazine ranks Ruth Eckerd Hall number one in ticket sales and gross dollars for venues with 2,500 seats for the period from November 2007 to May 2008

DECEMBER 2008 - Entertainment industry trade publication Pollstar announced the nomination of Ruth Eckerd Hall for a 2008 Pollstar Concert Industry Award in the category of Theatre of the Year. Ruth Eckerd Hall is nominated along with these prestigious venues: Beacon Theatre in New York, Chicago Theatre in Chicago, Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Nokia Theatre in L.A. Live in Los Angeles, Radio City Music Hall in New York and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

JANUARY 2009 - The City of Clearwater and Ruth Eckerd Hall join forces to renovate and revitalize the historic Capitol Theatre located on downtown Clearwater’s beautiful Cleveland Street. This project is part of the plan to re-energize downtown Clearwater, and the theatre is an integral part of the unique character of the area.

JUNE 2009 - Entertainment industry trade publication Venues Today announced that Ruth Eckerd Hall ranked #10 in the world in venues having 5,000 seats or less. Additionally, Pollstar, another leading entertainment industry trade publication recently announced that Ruth Eckerd Hall is ranked #9 in the world in venues having 10,000 seats or less.

Designed by the prestigious Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Ruth Eckerd Hall enters its 26th season as a number six ranked venue in the world, according to the entertainment industry trade publication Billboard magazine. Known for its 2,180-seat acoustically perfect auditorium, artists from America and around the world, ranging from classical, rock, opera, Broadway, jazz, pop and more are included in the stellar lineup of more than 200 performances a year.