Victoria Theatre Association signs over archives to Wright State on Nov. 14

Records that document the century and a half of the Victoria Theatre’s existence were officially turned over to the Wright State University Libraries at a deed-signing ceremony on Sunday, November 14, during the 20th anniversary celebration of the renovation and reopening of the theatre.

Gems in the Victoria Theatre Association’s collection include a photograph of the Victoria Theatre in 1875, early playbills from the 19th century, and portraits of actors such as Ethel Barrymore who have performed at the theatre. Other items include photographs, administrative and program files, marketing information, performance posters and programs.

The approximately 160 cubic feet of records were physically transferred to Special Collections and Archives in the Wright State University Dunbar Library in August of this year. The library’s staff is processing the files, arranging and describing them so that the collection can be opened to the public for research. Future plans include digitizing selected materials for placement in the Wright State Campus Online Repository (CORE).

“We are very pleased to have been selected as the repository for the Victoria’s collection,” said Dawne Dewey, head of Special Collections and Archives. “We look forward to a long partnership to preserve and provide access to its rich history.”

The Victoria Theatre Association collection joins Wright State’s already significant holdings on the history of the arts in Dayton. The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and the Dayton Playhouse all house their records at the university.

For more information on the collection or the event, contact Dawne Dewey at (937) 775-2011.