Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center

• A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a rental date at the Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center. No date or space will be held or confirmed until both the signed rental contract and deposit have been received.

• Discounted rates may be available for human services agencies, nonprofits, legacy clients, and those booking multiple events per year in advance.

• The Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center reserves the right to apply holiday rates to events scheduled on holidays or holiday weekends.

• U.S. Military (Active Duty, Reserves, Guard, and Veterans) receive 15% off venue rates. We salute your service.

• All evening events must conclude by 11 pm, and the venue must be vacated by midnight. Additional charges apply for every 15-minute increment past midnight.

• Valet parking is not included in the venue rental fee. PWHC is not responsible for cars parked on any lots during or after the contracted event time.

We proudly partner with locally owned and operated caterers who deliver premium cuisine and exceptional service. Our preferred caterers offer a variety of menus and styles that align with our mission and commitment to quality.

We are happy to accommodate all dietary preferences, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, ensuring every guest enjoys a delicious meal.

If you choose to work with a caterer outside of our preferred list, they must be approved before your event booking. Outside caterers must have a brick-and-mortar location, a website, a staffed team, and provide references from other venues. They are also required to sign our catering contract and provide a certificate of insurance. An $300 service fee applies to all outside caterers.

All caterers and bar service providers must hold a valid liquor license and certificate of insurance. Bar service must be selected from our preferred vendor list of licensed bartenders. Neither the client nor guests may bring alcohol onto the premises.

Stellar preferred catering options

Booking & Payment

• A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a rental date at the Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center. No date or space will be held or confirmed until both the signed rental contract and deposit have been received.

• Discounted rates may be available for human services agencies, nonprofits, legacy clients, and those booking multiple events per year in advance. U.S. Military: Active Duty, Reserves, Guard, and Veterans, we salute your service and offer 15% off venue rates.

• The Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center reserves the right to apply holiday rates to events scheduled on holidays or holiday weekends.

Event Timing & Access

• All evening events must conclude by 11 pm and the venue will be vacated by midnight. The client will be charged for every 15-minute increment after midnight.

• Guests must vacate the premises no later than one hour after the contracted time, otherwise additional pro-rated rental service fees will apply.

• The venue staff will enter the room 15 minutes after the contracted end time to prepare the building for closing. All decorations must be removed by the client within the one-hour timeframe allotted post-contracted time of the event. Any items left behind will be discarded after 3 days.

• PWHC offers ADA accessible entrance via the east entrance.

• Valet parking is not included in the venue rental fee. PWHC is not responsible for cars parked on any parking lots during or after the contracted event time.

Event Setup & Equipment

• The Facility Rental fee includes tables and chairs, as well as their setup and takedown according to a floor plan, to be provided by the Client no later than 14 days prior to the event. PWHC will provide the appropriate number of chairs based on the guest count. We do not provide extra chairs for open seating unless requested.

• PWHC will provide tables and chairs: 72” rounds seating up to 10 guests per table. 6′ or 8′ rectangle tables and cocktail tables are available upon request.

• PWHC provides a house sound system available for background or dinner music and handheld microphones, and two large display screens. There may be additional charges for an audio visual technician.

• A list of any special services or deliveries for the event to be provided or made by the Client or any third party on behalf of the Client (i.e., music equipment, audio-visual equipment, flowers, event rentals, etc.) must be submitted to the PWHC for its advance approval no less than 14 days prior to the event.

Catering & Food Service

• Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center has an approved catering list available from which to select a caterer. Caterers not on our preferred list may be considered, with restrictions. Outside caterers will be charged the standard $300 service fee. Every caterer will be required to keep one staff person present until the end of your event.

• If selecting from one of our preferred caterers, the caterer provides everything you need for food service, including napkins, flatware, and china. All tables must be covered to maintain the integrity of the tabletops. No food may be left at the venue.

Alcohol & Bar Service

• Bar service must be selected from our preferred vendor list of licensed bartenders and will conclude one-half hour prior to the end of the contracted time. Neither the client nor guests of the client may bring alcohol into the venue. Vendors are not allowed to consume alcohol on the premises during events.

Rules & Restrictions

• PWHC is a smoke-free facility. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, pipes, and cigars.
• PWHC does not allow anything to be attached to the walls or hung from the ceiling.
• PWHC allows open flame candles, but the flame must be covered by glass. For example, a votive with a lantern cover is acceptable. We do not allow tapers or pillars which are not covered by glass. The PWHC also does not allow confetti and all balloons must be anchored.