PRESERVATION CELEBRATION
Join us to Celebrate Preservation Month in May!
The DeSoto Theatre turns 90 this year! As part of our celebration, we're proud to partner with Rome's Historic Preservation Commission and the Downtown Development Authority to host this day-long Symposium. Speakers from throughout Georgia will be in Rome to help celebrate the past and future of preservation and of historic theatres.
FOR Schedule and MORE INFO SEE EVENT PROGRAM HERE
The Rome community and the HPC and DDA members needing training, are invited and encouraged to attend to learn about different preservation initiatives and success stories throughout the state. One of the driving forces behind Atlanta's "Save the Fox" campaign, Bettijo Cook Trawick, in her 90's, and her son, Rodney Mims Cook, will share their experiences with the audience. The mother-son duo was featured on the GPB documentary "The Fox: The Legend Lives On."
Among the day's speakers are Rome natives Paul Pierce, from the Springer Opera House in Columbus, and Dr. Lydia Simpson, with the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University. Rome architect Mark Cochran of Cevian Design Lab will moderate the event. Please check event schedule for all additional speakers.
TICKETS: General $45 - Student $25
About the Historic DeSoto Theatre
History
When the DeSoto opened in August 1929, it was one of the seven largest movie venues in Georgia.
It was an instant success and the pride of Rome. The Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation maintains and preserves this legacy for future generations.
About the Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation
The Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2008 to secure the future of the iconic 1929 theatre in downtown Rome.
We are committed to preserving the tradition and legacy that is the Jewel of Broad Street. It is our mission to usher in the movie house that introduced us to “talkies” into the age of “selfies” and social media.
In 2019, DeSoto Theatre celebrates 90 years of downtown entertainment, the only theatre left in Downtown Rome’s once-thriving arts district.
Annual Fund 2018 Donors
Our Foundation is maintained by our fundraising events and the generous donations of our supporters. We could not do this without you. Thank you!
*Donations as of 10/1/18
Façade
State Mutual Insurance Co.
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Vick
Medallion
Mr. and Mrs. David Clonts
Drs. Julia and Dhru Girard
Mr. Gordon A. Leiter
Dr. and Mrs. Hector R. Picon
Mr. and Mrs. JT Watters III
Bricks and Mortar
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Barron, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Berry
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Buice
Dr. and Mrs. Pete Gilbert
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Welborn
Foundation
Floyd Medical Center
Greater Community Bank
River City Bank
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Cook
Mr. and Mrs. David Cook
Mr. and Mrs. Randy Eidson
Mr. Andrew Garner
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Jackson
Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Peller
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Powell
Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Rayburn
Mr. and Mrs. Dean Saville
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Taylor
Dr. Raymond A. Young
Groundbreaker
The Lodge Menswear
Toles, Temple & Wright
Mr. and Mrs. King Askew
Mr. and Mrs. Harris Bagley
Dr. and Mrs. Sid Bell
Dr. and Mrs. Alan Bowen
Mrs. Martha Cates
Mr. Luke Chafin & Mr. Jeb Arp
Mr. and Mrs. Andy Davis
Mrs. Ouida W. Dickey
Dr. and Mrs. David Dohrmann
Ms. Ashley Ellington
Dr. J. Paul Ferguson
Mr. and Mrs. Russ Gates
Mr. and Mrs. Leo Grajzar
Dr. and Mrs. Keith Hannay
Dr. and Mrs. Robert L.Harbin
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Heaner
Mrs. Villa Hizer
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Hortman
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Humphrey
Mrs. Fran Jordan
Dr. and Mrs. John Kirkland
Mr. and Mrs. Urs Maire
Mr. and Mrs. Cheryl Melton
Mr. Sam Moss
Mrs. Betty Zane Morris
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Mozley
Mr. and Mrs. Chason Mull
Mr. and Mrs. Matt Owens
Mr. and Mrs. Danny Price
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Sparks
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Harold Storey
Dr. and Mrs. Joel Todino
Mrs. Connie Vick
In honor of Pat Vick
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Watters
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Watters
Miss Emma Wells
Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Williams
Help us Keep the Jewel of Broad Street Shining Bright.
Please donate to our Annual Fund. Your donations not only help us to complete the restoration of this cherished landmark, but will transform the DeSoto once again into a modern performance venue able to attract world-class acts to Rome. To donate, you will be asked for your email and to set up a password. THANK YOU!