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RESEARCH GUIDES

Preserving Historic Theaters

This guide provides information on the history of historic theaters, gives examples of rehabilitation projects across the country, and suggests related resources for interested individuals to track down for more information.

Help in Restoring a Historic Theater

Do you know of a theater slated for demolition? Don't know who to contact? Here is a short list of organizations and groups that may be of help.

Where to go for Help in Restoring a Historic Theater?

The League of Historic American Theaters
334 N. Charles Street -- 2nd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
410-659-9533

http://www.lhat.org
 
A resource for people involved in restoration efforts of theaters of all types, nationwide. LHAT provides consulting services, maintains resource lists of people in various specialties related to theater restoration, advocates on behalf of historic theater preservation, hosts conferences and seminars on restoring and operating historic theaters, and serves as a national network for interested individuals.
 
 
 
National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO)
Suite 342 Hall of the States
444 North Capitol Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 624-5465
http://www.ncshpo.org/
 
This organization will be able to direct you to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in your state. These SHPOs are sources of information, funding, and support for any historic preservation project.
 
 
 
Theater Historical Society of America (THSA)
152 N. York Street, 2nd Floor
Elmhurst, IL 60126
630-782-1800
http://www.historictheatres.org/
 
The society has, for over 30 years, been dedicated to the collection of archival material documenting more than 9,000 theaters nationwide. Their materials are open to the public and an invaluable resource for preservationists.