Edward Francis Searles

Edward Francis Searles

Edward Francis Searles

Born on July 4, 1841, Edward Francis Searles would become a name synonymous with philanthropy, art, architecture, and music in his hometown of Methuen.  The third child of a humble farming family, Searles studied piano and organ and became a music teacher in Maine in 1861.  From there he joined two prestigious interior design firms, Paul and Company of Boston and Herter Brothers of New York.  He traveled the world finding treasures, some of which can be seen in the Music Hall today.

In 1887, Searles married Mary Frances Sherwood Hopkins, the widow of railroad magnate Mark Hopkins. Searles and Mary had much in common – she was also from Massachusetts, had taught music, loved the arts and architecture and was a devoted philanthropist. Upon her death in 1891, Searles inherited her fortune and continued their goal of fostering art, beauty, education and modernization in their hometowns.

The Methuen Memorial Music Hall is one of Searles’ historic structures. Today it is the building which most faithfully represents Searles deepest passions, providing access to music and art for the entire community.