Construction of the Lunenburg Opera House began in 1908 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) who used the upper floor for their meetings. The IOOF, founded in 1819 and still active, is a non­-political, non-sectarian international fraternal order whose aim is to provide charitable works, aid, and assistance in the community. In 19th century England, it was odd to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid to those in need and of pursuing projects for the benefit of all mankind, Those who belonged to such organizations were called “Odd Fellows·. Odd also means “extraordinary”. The first concert was held in 1909. With its excellent acoustics and structural design fashioned after an old European Music Hall, with shipbuilding influences, the building is an important part of Lunenburgs’ musical and cultural heritage.