The Springs Improvement Society is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation and one of the oldest operating non profits in the Town of East Hampton. We were originally founded as Springs Village Improvement Society in 1909 when we acquired the current building and it’s property for a dollar. The name Ashawagh Hall was chosen when we purchased the old school building. In 1966, we changed our name to the current one and our logo was designed by James Brooks, a well known local artist. The original design was gifted to our organization.

Our purpose is to maintain Ashawagh Hall as a community hall and the surrounding land which is owned by The Springs Improvement Society. Today, Ashawagh Hall continues to provide the community with a place to gather and we invite all to enjoy this treasure in the heart of Springs Historic District! We are known for our long-standing events such as the Springs Artists Invitational Exhibition, Members Art Show, Lights of Love and our past Fisherman’s Fairs, some of which have been hosted for over 50 years.

Ashawagh Hall

Ashawagh Hall is rich in local history and was originally built as the “Little Red Schoolhouse” in 1847. Ashawagh is the Native American word for “place where two roads come together,” which is perfect to describe the location of this community center in the Springs section of East Hampton, where Fireplace Road meets Old Stone Highway. This old building and the grounds has gone through many renovations, additions and changes over the years. Now, we have a kitchen, renovated bathrooms and open spaces with wood floors available for use.

As it was then, Ashawagh Hall is available for local parties, gatherings, and community events. Our annual Art Exhibitions are held every summer on Memorial Day weekend and early August. Many art exhibitions, fundraisers, craft shows and local community group meetings fill the building year-round.

Art Exhibitions

There is a rich legacy of artists who discovered the natural beauty of Springs and some came to eventually call it their home. It began in the 40’s and early 50’s with many world famous artists coming and going on our familiar country roads. “In 1956 the Museum of Modern Art in New York rented Ashawagh Hall for four years through August 15, 1960, excepting for the day of the Fair, paying the large sum of $1000. Victor D’Amico taught adult art classes there until the museum acquired the Barge at Napeague.” (From the book “Springs / A Celebration” published by The Springs Improvement Society and available for sale at our artist exhibitions.)

These well known local artists began actively hosting various activities and exhibitions at Ashawagh Hall in the 1960’s. They organized shows, sold their paintings and even had roulette wheel drawings to raise funds to improve and expand the building. These creative artists then hosted the original “Artists of the Springs” Invitational in 1968 at Ashawagh Hall. This became a treasured annual event known as the Springs Artists Exhibition which is now called Springs Invitational Artists Exhibition. This wonderful tradition of local artists contributing their talent, time and funds to help maintain Ashawagh Hall continues today. We have well over 100 artists support us every year through participation in the Springs Invitational Artists Exhibition, our annual Members Show and the newest Art Auction. More information on this year’s Springs Invitational Artists Exhibition and its history can be found on our website and our book “Springs / A Celebration”.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument

The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial monument honoring those from Springs who served in the Civil and First World War was erected on the green in 1925 as a gift from the Indawandawin Club, a group of women from the area who held an annual fair where they sold their home-sewn items. This monument has a Civil War-era cannon which is a type called a “field rifle,” or “field cannon,” which originally was several feet longer and was carted onto the battlefield on a wagon, along with an ammunition cart and a portable forge for repairs. This was restored in 2017 and the flagpole was restored in 2018. The names of those who have served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam have also been added to this monument to honor local Springs veterans.