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Historic Masonic Theatre Approved for a Virginia Historical Marker

 
Clifton Forge, VA (August 29, 2016) - With their texts of black lettering against a silver background and their distinctive shape, Virginia's state historical highway markers are hard to miss along the commonwealth’s roadways. There are now more than 2,500 of them erected in Virginia to commemorate people, places, or events of regional, statewide, or national significance.

This summer, The Historic Masonic Theatre was approved for the installation of a Virginia Historical Marker, after submitting an application. Special projects volunteer, John Strott completed the application after working with several members of the Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation to review Theatre history and after researching old newspapers at the public library in order to confirm facts and events.

The Department of Historic Resources also supplied the information that in 1908, William Jennings Bryan spoke at the Historic Masonic Theatre when he was on the campaign trail running for President.

Virginia's historical marker program is the oldest such program in the nation, beginning in 1927 when a handful of markers were erected along U.S. 1 between Richmond and Mount Vernon. Originally the Conservation and Economic Development Commission was tasked with creating historical markers. In 1949, the Virginia Department of Highways was assigned the responsibility for installing and maintaining new markers, and in 1950 the Virginia State Library took over researching and approving new makers. The Department of Historic Resources manages the program.

The Historic Masonic Theatre Historical Marker will be dedicated on Saturday, September 10 at 4:00 pm prior to a concert at 7:30 by the Original Drifters. The marker will be installed on the triangle between Main Street and Ridgeway. The public is cordially invited to attend the dedication.

For more information on the Historic Masonic Theatre and its 2016 Season of Events, please visit www.historicmasonictheatre.com or call 540 862 5655 Monday through Friday from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m.
 
 
 

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