Friday, November 21st, 2025 :: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre
Event Details
The Simon Theatre landmark has dominated the downtown landscape for our entire lifetimes. It has been the local center of entertainment for most of the past century.
A Century of Simon Exhibit takes visitors on an interactive journey starting in 1881 when the Simon family entered the entertainment business, which led them to build and operate the elegant Simon Theatre.
Visitors see and hear fun and informative content, including samples of early vaudeville shows and movies that were shown – including “The Merry Widow,” the first movie to be seen on the Simon screen.
The history includes the Simon’s early vaudeville days, Hollywood’s Golden Era, movies and events over the decades, and its eventual decline long after most other American downtown theaters closed.
Finally, the Simon’s great revival story is told, which restored the magnificent building and the robust operation.
Personal stories, in written and video formats, are shared from locals who attended during all eras.
Visitors are invited to take photos in front of an authentic vaudeville stage backdrop, and then to leave their own stories and feedback upon exiting.