The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and Fox Gives present:
HISTORIC THEATERS EXPEDITION
Saturday, January 25, 2025
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
It’s Showtime!
The Georgia Trust and Fox Gives invite you on a self-guided tour to explore some of Northwest Georgia’s most historic theaters during our second co-hosted Historic Theaters Expedition on Saturday, January 25th.
Enjoy a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of four historic theaters, beginning with an insider’s look at the remarkable GEM Theatre in Calhoun, a Georgia Trust Preservation Award winner. Then travel to Rome’s iconic DeSoto Theatre, the first theater built for “talkies” in the South, followed by a scenic drive to Canton to explore the Canton Theatre, a community fixture for over 100 years. We’ll end the day at the art deco Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta, which represents a remarkable story of a community that rallied together to bring a dormant historic theater back to life. Discover the architecture and history of these individual theaters through exclusive tours and learn more about their ongoing preservation efforts.
Lunch and Closing Reception
Take a break from touring and enjoy lunch in Georgia’s Rome before heading to Canton to explore the remarkable Canton Theatre.
At the end of the day, you’ll be treated to a special closing reception at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, the crown jewel of downtown Marietta.
PLEASE NOTE
Lunch and entry to the Closing Reception are only included in Full registration tickets. Tour-only tickets do not include meals or closing reception.
Expedition Itinerary at a Glance
9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
PACKET PICK-UP
GEM Theatre
14 N. Wall Street
Calhoun, GA 30701
Start the day by picking up your registration packet at the GEM Theatre, a historic theater that opened its doors as a movie theater but now, in its renovated interior, hosts a variety of entertainment including concerts, plays, comedy shows and movies.
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
GEM Theatre
14 N. Wall Street
Calhoun, GA 30701
After picking up your tour packet, stick around for a brief presentation to learn about Northwest Georgia’s historic theaters from Fox Gives Director Leigh Burns.
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HISTORIC THEATERS EXPEDITION
Go behind the scenes of four unique historic theaters for a variety of self-guided and guided tours, including the GEM Theatre in Calhoun, a Georgia Trust Preservation Award winner; Rome’s iconic DeSoto Theatre, the first theater built for “talkies” in the South; the Canton Theatre, a community fixture in Canton for over 100 years; and the art deco Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta, which represents a remarkable story of a community that rallied together to bring a dormant historic theater back to life.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
LUNCH
Rome, Georgia
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
CLOSING RECEPTION
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
117 N Park Square
Marietta, GA 30060
End the day with a special closing reception at the historic Strand Theatre, the crown jewel of downtown Marietta.
This itinerary is subject to change.
Expedition FAQs
There are no paper tickets. If you make your reservation online, you will receive a confirmation email that will be automatically sent to your email address. This email is for your records only, you do not need to bring this with you. When you arrive at registration, you will pick up your tour program, map and name badge.
Yes. Please call our Special Events office 404.885.7812.
Tours are done at your own pace, and guests provide their own transportation. Maps and programs are provided at packet pick-up. You will follow your program and map to each of the sites. You do not have to do the sites in their numbered order.
A full-registration ticket includes lunch and admission into the closing reception, which includes beer and wine.
Please dress comfortably. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Tours go on rain or shine, and tickets are not refundable.
