History

In 2010, Mr. William Kaplan, a local businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, leased the Newburgh Armory for $1. New York State had decommissioned it as a military installation and it had stood empty for many years. Mr. Kaplan’s vision was to renovate the basketball court to create a safe and welcoming place for Newburgh’s youth to play ball. He named it the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, which was a clear signal that his goal was to bring unity to a city divided along geographic, economic and cultural lines.

Over the next 11 years, Mr. Kaplan’s vision developed into a community and educational center beyond compare. While educational enrichment is a core part of our mission, the Newburgh Armory Unity Center has also grown into a true center of the community.

Mr. Kaplan has always given an emphatic YES to any initiative that aims to improve the community, and that has become a mantra for the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. Educational programming is our first priority, but community groups are always welcome in our facility to hold meetings and provide programs for their constituents, and we collaborate with countless partners to serve community needs. The Newburgh Armory Unity Center truly does bring unity to the community, and we welcome you to join us in these efforts.