Morton Theatre

The Story of Morton Theatre

Built in 1910 by Monroe Bowers ('Pink') Morton, the Morton Theatre stands as one of the oldest surviving vaudeville theatres in the United States, uniquely established and operated by an African-American. This historic venue has hosted legendary acts such as Butterbeans and Susie, Blind Willie McTell, and Bessie Smith, marking its significance in the cultural landscape of Athens. The theatre transitioned into a movie house during the dawn of the silver screen, serving as a hub for the community, housing black professionals including doctors and pharmacists.

Fully restored and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Morton Theatre continues to thrive as a performing arts space, thanks to the 1987 citizen-approved SPLOST funding. In 2013, the documentary "The Soul of Athens: A History of the Morton Theatre" was produced, winning a Platinum Best of Show Aurora Award for its excellence.

Impact of Morton Theatre

The Morton Theatre enriches lives and educates the community through shared cultural experiences while preserving its rich African American heritage.

Why Donate?

Maintaining a 100-year-old building is a challenging and costly endeavor. Your tax-deductible gift today will help restore, renovate, and improve this beautiful theatre for future generations.

Make a Difference Today!

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure that the Morton Theatre remains a vibrant part of the Athens community. Donate cryptocurrency or cash now to support this noble cause!