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Our History
The
old Milton Theatre has a rich and meaningful history in Sussex
County, Delaware. Erected in circa 1910, the two-story building is
listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Milton’s
historic district, and it has served, at one time or another, as the
Town’s basketball hall, fire station, social center & community
stage. Various retail businesses & restaurants at one time or
another, also thrived there. Of course, its most popular role was as
the community’s celebrated art deco movie house in the 1930’s,
featuring silent films and later, “talkies,” until it closed
following flood damage from the Great Storm of ’62. The structure
itself has survived three major fires and weathered many other
nor'easters, but three decades of neglect nearly spelled its demise…
until members of the Milton community rallied for its revival.
For the past six years, the non-profit 501(c)(3), Milton Development
Corporation has been dedicated to rehabilitating this historic
building, and the effort to restore and renovate the old Theatre
into a multi-use Performing Arts & Cultural Center, Classic & Second
Release Movie Cinema House and Venue for Community Programming &
Special Events has been the MDC’s primary mission. As a result of an
extensive capital campaign, the once crumbling building is now
re-emerging as a touchstone and anchor in Milton’s historic Town
Centre; it is operating as a viable facility for the promotion and
presentation of the cultural and entertainment arts; it is serving
as a showcase for the community’s educational programs and special
festivals; and it is providing a destination attraction for a
fast-growing arts community. |
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