Leaving her home to the community in the care of the Troy City Schools, Mrs. Hayner’s will specified that her lovely home could be used as a library, a museum or for other cultural or educational purposed. The mansion was the home of the public library for 33 years. In 1976 a new library was built and a community committee set forth a proposal that the home might be used as a community cultural center, funded primarily by a local tax levy. Voters approved the plan and have renewed the levy every five years since.

Taking care to preserve and maintain the beauty of the historic landmark, the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center, now in its 30th year of operation has become a lively center for community and cultural activity. The Center offers exhibit, performing arts programs, classes in art and a variety of other subjects,and a wide range of other cultural and educational offerings. Civic groups meet at the center. It is the gathering place for many important community functions.

The first time the Center opened its doors to the public was for a Holiday open house on the first full weekend of December. This event has become an annual tradition at the Center. Saturday is “Children’s Day” with a performing arts event the whole family can enjoy and an appearance by Santa Claus. On Sunday local musicians perform throughout the afternoon. The entire house is decorated with more than seven trees and an exhibit that relates to the annual holiday theme. All of the open house activities are free and open to the public.

The Hayner Center is operated by a Board of Governors made up of citizens who reside in the Troy City School District. One member is a representative of the School Board. One is a member of the Troy Historical Society. About one hundred volunteers serve on committees, as receptionists at the front desk and provide support for the activities and operations of the Center. Friends of Hayner is a membership organization open to anyone interested in providing additional support for the Center.

The Hayner Center has four full-time staff and eight part-time staff to ensure its efficient operation, maintenance and to provide sufficient support for programming and community activity. Over 40,000 people visit the Center or participate in the Center’s activities annually.

You can contact us directly by phone or by e-mail:

Linda Lee Jolly, Director is responsible for the overall operation of the Center as well as providing support services for Antiques Seminars, new programs and community collaborations.

Theresa Boehringer, Assistant Director is responsible for the day to day activity of the Center, bookings for building and private party use, and accounting procedures.

Kim Clifton, Program Coordinator provides staff support for performing arts programming and children’s programming as well as administering the class program and marketing for Hayner programs.

Nancy Rafferty, Exhibit Coordinator is responsible for providing staff support to the exhibit committee, developing exhibit related tours, activities and workshops and provides assistance with special programming.

Betty Bryant, Facilities Coordinator assists the public in the use of the building, coordinates private party arrangements, and provides assistance for Hayner programs.

Mitch Fogle, Buildings and Grounds Coordinator is responsible for the maintenance of the historic mansion, insuring that it is ready for public use.