Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 85F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..
Tonight
Scattered thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
Scaffolding spans the entire theater space inside the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, photographed on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Huntington. At a news conference, officials with Marathon Petroleum Company presented a $100,000 check to the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.
Scaffolding spans the entire theater space inside the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, photographed on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Huntington. At a news conference, officials with Marathon Petroleum Company presented a $100,000 check to the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.
HUNTINGTON — The Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center is asking residents to share memories and memorabilia to help preserve the theater’s history as the building is being restored.
Keith-Albee officials are asking Huntington natives and visitors to recount their personal stories and memories of the theater, which has promoted local performers, educational opportunities and showings of movies and premieres since opening its doors in 1928.
Director of Development Terry Deppner Hardin said residents can help with the “memories and memorabilia†initiative by sharing their memories or donating authentic memorabilia, including posters, autographed tickets, programs, photos, playbills or other items.
“As the Keith-Albee is being restored to its former glory, preserving its memories is crucial to maintaining its role as a pillar of the community,†a news release from the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center stated.
Rebecca Craig, secretary of the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, said the board of directors hopes to gather the memorabilia from the theater from its heyday and display it after the restoration project is complete.
“We want people to feel that this Keith-Albee is theirs,†Deppner Hardin said. “We want them to feel a part of Keith-Albee.â€
Deppner Hardin said she has already received a movie poster and an autographed ticket from the film “Rain Man,†starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, donated by Cody Lobo and Hannah Edwards.
Autism Services Center presented the movie’s premiere at the Keith-Albee in 1988. Lobo’s grandmother, Patsy Lobo, was a nurse with Autism Services Center for more than 30 years, the release said.
Craig, who has been involved with Keith-Albee’s board of children’s theater for years, said she loves the idea of the “memories and memorabilia†initiative and has fond memories of the theater.
“It’s one of the very first places I saw movies with my kids,†Craig said. “My daughter has performed on that stage. It’s a special place.â€
The Keith-Albee has also been the venue for many first dates that resulted in marriage, such as that of Lenora and Jerry Sutphin, who 64 years later are still going strong, the release states.
Residents willing to share their stories or items can contact Deppner Hardin at terrydeppner@gmail.com.
The Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center is currently working on a $20 million restoration effort.
The Keith-Albee Board of Directors has broken the project down into three phases.
Workers are currently working on phases one and two, which include electrical, mechanical, and plumbing upgrades; architectural enhancements to the building such as waterproofing the basement, renovating dressing rooms and restrooms in the basement; and painting the entrance, foyer and stairways to the mezzanine.
Deppner Hardin said she hopes to see construction completed by the end of next year.
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