Kansas Historic Theaters Sought for Study

posted by JoelWeide on March 18, 2004 at 3:01 pm

The Kansas State Historical Society is seeking Kansas' past cinema treasures for documentation and study. The preservation office of the Kansas State Historical Society is seeking assistance in locating historic theaters and opera houses for a statewide study.

Three hundred buildings were constructed statewide prior to 1955 for use as movie theaters or opera houses. It is hoped that these can be recorded.

Once unrecorded buildings are identified, architectural historians will travel thoughout the state to photograph and complete survey forms. They will use the information to compile a history of theatres and opera houses in Kansas and identify buildings that may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you would like to submit information about a historic theater or opera house in your Kansas community, plese send the building name, address and approximate construction date (if known) to Christy Davis, at or Cultural Rresources, Kansas State Historical Society, 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka KS 66615-1099.

Comments (1)

janderson
janderson on August 26, 2004 at 12:19 am

Have you found many of the old opera houses & theaters in Kansas? I know of one in Stockton, KS that has been redone. I, too, am interested in knowing where the others are located and if any of them are operating today.
If you have any info on any of them, I would love to have it. You may e-mail me at I have roots in Kansas and am trying to put together a musical tour next year in Kansas. Thank you so much! Jody Anderson

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