Columbus Historical Society

The Southern Theatre was built in 1896 and is the oldest surviving theatre in central Ohio.s
From CAPA - Columbus Association for the Performing Arts. Read more about the Southern Theatre's history at: https://www.capa.com/venues/detail/southern-theatre

Check out our May newsletter! 💐
▶ https://mailchi.mp/e837dadc7d9c/whats-new-at-chs-may2026

From our friends at the Columbus Metropolitan Library:

"On April 7, 1968, a memorial was held for slain Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated only three days before on April 4th. Part of a nationally proclaimed day of mourning, the service was a massive collaborative effort sponsored by local government, church groups, labor unions, and civil rights organizations, to provide a peaceful service amongst the grief and anger over the assassination of King that erupted throughout the country. The memorial attracted between 5,000-7,000 attendees for a peaceful remembrance featuring local civil rights leaders who spoke at the event including Rev. Phale D. Hale, CMACAO Director Curtis Brooks, Jose Renteria of CORE and Columbus Mayor Jack Sensenbrenner. Clifford Tyree, Director of Columbus City Community Relations, acted as master of ceremonies."

Read the full article by David Barnes in our April Newsletter ➡️
https://mailchi.mp/1f8e6789d121/whats-new-at-chs-april2026

📷 This image is from the April 7, 1968 Columbus Call and Post and can be found on the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s My History.

See more about this image: https://digital-collections.columbuslibrary.org/digital/collection/kingarts/id/14017/rec/8