Nestled at 637 Main St., the Chatham Orpheum Theater stands as both a charming nod to the town’s past and a vibrant center of contemporary culture.

Originally opened in 1916, it was the first movie house in Chatham, sparking excitement with silent films, comedies and adventure stories for over seven decades.

Its ornate façade and art-deco styling, preserved even when repurposed as a pharmacy in 1987, has been maintained thanks to the steadfast passion of the community.

In November 2011, after years of disuse, a coalition of local citizens rallied to restore the theater. Within months, they formed a nonprofit organization and raised over $1.5 million to purchase and renovate the historic site.

Architectural firm Gensler led the massive restoration, which included rebuilding the origin

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