Lincoln Theater to be honored by Main Street Lincoln and city

Theater plans free ticket drawing May 12

[May 05, 2011]  The month of May is dedicated as National Preservation Month by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and this year's theme is "Celebrating America's Treasures." In Lincoln, one of the city's "treasures" is the Lincoln Theater.

In keeping with our heritage, during the showing of "The Conspirator," an Abraham Lincoln story, participants will place their names in an Abraham Lincoln hat at the theater. Names will be drawn on Thursday, May 12, at 6:30 p.m. for tickets for free movies that will be shown in July.

On the evening of the drawing, a framed copy of a historic preservation proclamation from Main Street Lincoln will be given to the theater owner, along with a framed copy of related articles in the news media.

On May 16, a resolution from the mayor and city council regarding National Historic Preservation Month will be presented for adoption. This will be in recognition of the preservation of the Lincoln Theater.

Construction of the Lincoln Theater began on Feb. 12, 1922, Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Lincoln Theater is the sole survivor among five other theaters of the Route 66 era. Since Feb. 13, 1923, the theater has always been open to serve the citizens of Lincoln and the surrounding areas.

Main Street Lincoln thanks the owners of the Lincoln Theater for their efforts to preserve the marquee. The theater's historic features will always be a focus as upgrades are taking place.

Main Street Lincoln hopes the community will continue to show their support for the Lincoln Theater and National Historic Preservation Month. For it is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals in helping to preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped us as people.

President Harry Truman signed legislation for the creation of the National Trust for Historic Preservation on Oct. 26, 1949. The signing of this legislation marked the beginning of the not-for-profit's mission, which is to provide "leadership, education and advocacy to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize our communities."

In 1980, the National Trust for Historic Preservation established the National Trust Main Street Center.

Over the last 31 years, the National Trust Main Street Center has aided local downtown districts through the implementation of its "Four-Point Approach." The Main Street Four-Point Approach is for local businesses and volunteers to organize, promote, design and economically restructure their districts to ensure stability within the community.

[Text from file received from Main Street Lincoln]