Chautauqua County History Lecture: Restoring the Opera House – A Volunteer’s Perspective at Fredonia Opera House

On Nov. 12, 1994, the Opera House opened with a sold-out variety show that celebrated the culmination of a major restoration effort. What had been the Winter Garden Theatre until it closed in 1981, reopened as the 1891 Fredonia Opera House after nine years of work performed largely by volunteers. On the same date exactly 30 years later, Dick Gilman, one of those volunteers, gives a presentation on just how that restoration project progressed with a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and accomplishments, the set-backs and the leaps forward that transpired over those nine years. Photos rarely seen in three decades will be paired with stories culled from various volunteers giving their perspective of the immense undertaking. Call 716-679-1891 for information or visit www.fredopera.org

Free Admission (Donations Accepted)

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a 444-seat restored Vaudeville theater that offers a wide range of programming including live music, theater, dance and an independent cinema series. The Opera House also is the only venue in northern Chautauqua County licensed to present live high definition satellite broadcasts of opera productions from the renowned Metropolitan Opera in NYC, live theatre from the National Theatre, in London, and ballet from Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet. Each year in June, the Opera House also presents a three-day Baroque music festival.

A landmark fixture on Fredonia’s Barker Commons, the Opera House was saved from destruction in the early 1980s when the Fredonia Preservation Society (which came into existence in response to the threatened demolition) and a corps of committed volunteers undertook what was to become a nine-year restoration of the theater. At a cost of more than $1 million and with more than 30,000 volunteer hours, the Opera House was returned to its splendor and has operated year-round continually since its grand reopening in November 1994.

The recipient of a New York State Historic Preservation Award, the Opera House combines turn-of-the-century beauty and charm with modern comforts. In fact, many individuals and organizations find the Opera House an ideal venue and rent it for events, conferences, meetings and even weddings. For information on events, tours or rentals, contact the Fredonia Opera House at 716-679-0891 or visit www.fredopera.org.