Theatre Historical Society of America

The Theatre Historical Society of America is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization, located in Elmhurst, Illinois in the historic York Theater building, owned and operated by Classic Cinemas.

THSA is the only organization in the U.S. which exclusively records, preserves and celebrates the rich architectural, cultural and social history of America's theatres. Its archive contains material on more than 15,000 theatres, primarily in the United States. This unique resource is utilized in its publications and available to researchers.

THSA's publications, distributed to members and available for purchase as back-issues, are: Marquee®, a quarterly illustrated journal [ISSN 0025-3928] , published continuously since 1969; an Annual, a special illustrated publication focussing on a specific theatre or aspect of theatre history, architecture, or design [ISSN 0885-3940] , and a quarterly Newsletter, with news items of interest on members, theatres and events nationwide. Back issues of the first two are available for sale on the THSA website, www.historictheatres.org, and by mail.

THSA's archive and museum are open to members and the public. Admission to the museum is free, but research in the Archive is by advance appointment "only" and research fees apply.

"The American Theatre Architecture Archive", contains an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, negatives, slides, books, blueprints/architectural drawings, newspaper and magazine clippings, videos, printed programs, and other material on all types of historic theatres, primarily in the U.S. The archive is also a rich source of information on theatre architects such as John Eberson, Thomas W. Lamb, the Boller Brothers, Rapp and Rapp, and theatre chains like Keith-Albee-Orpheum, Warner Bros., Loews Theatres, Paramount Pictures, etc.

"The American Movie Palace Museum", features exhibits of photographs, artworks, artifacts, and other memorabilia relating primarily to the "golden age of the movie palace." Notable items include the large (3ft.x4ft.) original rendering of the famed Roxy Theatre (New York City), designed by architect Walter W. Ahlschlager, and decorated by the Rambusch Decorating Company. There is also a large scale model of Chicago's Avalon Theater, later known as the New Regal Theater, as well as the conductor's podium from Chicago's Granada Theater (demolished).

THSA produces an annual Conclave, or theatre tour, each summer in a different part of the country. It typically lasts 4-5 days and includes visits to two dozen historic theatres in the area, from small neighborhood movie houses to large and ornate urban movie palaces, along with various social activities. More information is available on the THSA website.

The Theatre Historical Society was founded in 1969 by the theatre historian and writer Ben M. Hall, author of the first book celebrating American movie palaces, The Best Remaining Seats. After Hall's death in 1970, Brother Andrew Corsini Fowler, Frank Cronican, Terry Helgesen and others were instrumental in helping THSA become the foremost organization of its kind in the U.S. From just a handful of interested enthusiasts, it has grown into a national organization with an international membership of 1,000 individuals, university and public libraries, theatres, performing arts organizations and other interested firms and groups.

The Society is administered by Executive Director Richard J. Sklenar on behalf of a volunteer board of directors. A corps of dedicated volunteers assists with many of the day-to-day activities at the Society's headquarters.

External links

* [http://www.historictheatres.org Theatre Historical Society ]