About THS
Theatre Historical Society of America
THS is the only organization in the U.S. which exclusively records and preserves the rich architectural, cultural and social history of America's theatres. Through its collections and publications, THS makes available information on more than 15,000 theatres, primarily in the United States, and encourages further research in these areas.
Located in Elmhurst, Illinois, approximately 16 miles west of Chicago's loop, THS is on the second floor of the York Theatre building. The Society also operates the following, located there:
The American Theatre Architecture Archives, which contains an extensive collection of photographs, slides, negatives, books, blueprints, clippings, videos, printed programs, and other material on historic theatres, primarily in the U.S.
The American Movie Palace Museum, featuring exhibits of photographs, artworks, antiques, artifacts, and other memorabilia relating primarily to the "golden age of the movie palace."
Both facilities are open to members and the public Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and most third Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Call to reconfirm third Saturdays.) Admission to the Museum is free although donations are gratefully accepted. Research in the collections is by advance appointment only; research fees apply.
The Society is administered by Executive Director, Richard J. Sklenar, on behalf of the board of directors, consisting of elected officers and ten regional directors. In addition, a corps of dedicated volunteers undertake many of the day-to-day activities.
The Theatre Historical Society is an organizational member of the American Association for State and Local History, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Illinois Association of Museums, Association of Midwest Museums, Kane/DuPage Regional Museum Association, and an individual member of the Society of American Archivists.
For more information, please contact the Executive Director.
The Theatre
Historical Society of America was founded in 1969 by the late writer and theatre
historian Ben M. Hall,
author of the first book celebrating America's movie palaces, The Best Remaining Seats. After Hall's death in 1970, Brother Andrew C. Fowler, Frank Cronican, Terry Helgesen and others were instrumental in helping make THS become the foremost organization of its kind in the country. 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 Theatre Historical Society of America is an IRS-approved 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization.
