2019 Solas Awards

In 2002 the building was formally renamed the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building in memory of one of PAFA’s staunchest supporters, “Sam” Hamilton (1924-1997) who served as a board member almost continuously from 1974 to 1997, with a term as chairman of the board from 1984 to 1986. This commemoration was made possible by the largest private donation in the institution’s history, given by Mr. Hamilton’s widow and joint PAFA supporter, Mrs. Dorrance H. Hamilton. Her $5 million gift toward the building renovation was the culmination of decades of generous support from the Hamiltons.