The Ancram Opera House is the last local opera house to give up its name. In early American history the Preservation League of New York State says, "The opera house was not only a venue for theater and cultural activities, but also functioned as the heart of a community and a gathering place to relax and socialize." In 2017, the Hudson Opera House abandoned the name, switching to Hudson Hall. Now the Ancram Opera House announced on Nov. 25 that the Ancram Opera House will now be called the Ancram Center for the Arts. They said they made the change because they are also using a neighboring building to the Ancram Opera House, which they call The Annex. Their social media statement about the change said, "The expansion underway has inspired this pivotal change, aligning our identity more closely with our vibrant array of performances and community events. While celebrating a rich heritage, Ancram Center embraces a forward-looking approach to enriching the region through the arts for years to come."