The Friends of the St. Marys Theater Awarded the Buckeye Impact Grant for Program Commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary

The project is one of 61 community-based projects funded through the America 250-Ohio Commission’s second round of grants totaling $600,000

St. Marys, Ohio (June 13, 2024) – In the lead up to America’s 250th anniversary, The Friends of the St. Marys Theater announced today it received a $7,500 Buckeye Impact Grant from the America 250-Ohio Commission for its upcoming project titled, “From Auglaize County to Hollywood: A Celebration of Two Early 20th Century Artists.” Being a recipient of the grant will allow for a weekend event at the St. Marys Theater honoring the literary and cinematic contributions of William K. Howard and Jim Tully. The program will consist of an educational and entertainment-filled weekend involving a silent movie with organ accompaniment provided by a world-renowned musician, reenacting a world premiere that was held at the St. Marys Theater in February of 1939, lectures, scholar performers portraying the life of Jim Tully and visual exhibits of illustrating Auglaize County life during the Howard and Tully's life here and in Hollywood.

“We are very excited and honored to be one of 61 community-based projects funded through the America 250-Ohio Commission’s second round of grants to honor and revive the literary and cinematic accomplishments of Jim Tully and William K. Howard. This award helps us promote our mission of restoring, preserving, and promoting the historic Saint Marys Theater and Grand Opera House transforming it into a vibrant performing arts center serving the greater Saint Marys community for generations to come with artistic and educational performances,” stated theater representative, Doug Spencer.