THE SIMON THEATRE TO CELEBRATE 100TH ANNIVERSARY
The Barnhill Center At Historic Simon Theatre will celebrate its 100th Anniversary in 2025, a nostalgic milestone in Brenham’s history. After a century of service to the community, The Simon will be honored throughout 2025 with a special exhibit, a big birthday party and a wide variety of entertainment.
The 100 Years of Simon Exhibition will first open to the public at The Barnhill Center on November 22, 2024. It will be a companion to the Smithsonian traveling exhibit called Crossroads: Change in Rural America, that will be displayed December 7, 2024 – January 20, 2025.
“The stories of the historic Simon Theatre are closely tied to the history of our rural community,” said Jennifer Eckermann, the City of Brenham Tourism & Marketing Director. “Through the decades, the changes experienced by the people of Brenham were reflected Downtown and through activities at the Simon.”
The themes of both the Smithsonian and Simon exhibits will focus on the key elements of Identity, Community, Persistence and Change in rural America. The 100 Years of Simon exhibit will also highlight the beginnings of the iconic landmark and its rich, colorful history up to today.
“We are asking anyone with memories, mementos or family stories to allow their use for the Simon Theatre exhibit,” added Eckermann. “The Simon played a part in many lives, and we want to include as many of those stories and items as possible.
“Some people already shared their Simon stories and artifacts, as part of previous projects, and they will be used again. If you or a loved one have additional Simon memories, articles or trinkets, we want to hear from you! If you or a loved one ever performed on the Simon stage, we want to hear from you.
“We hope more people will tell us about the biggest movies they saw at the Simon and other events they participated in. Please show us your photographs and any historical write-ups or artifacts you kept, including old Simon tickets and event programs.”
Personal stories will be a big part of the upcoming exhibit, and will be told in writing, in audio recordings and in short videos.
Original artifacts will be on display, but some from private collections will be photographed or copied for displays, to preserve the originals shared by contributing citizens.
Unless otherwise requested, all contributors will be credited as the sources of the information or artifacts.
“Anyone who has Simon stories or memorabilia is asked to visit this website to let us know: TheBarnhillCenter.com/100th-anniversary.
Or you can email us at info@TheBarnhillCenter.com, or call 936-878-2688.
“After The Barnhill Center staff receives your information, you’ll be contacted to plan for your contribution,” said Eckermann.