COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Murphy Theatre in Wilmington, Ohio, will soon receive a much-needed facelift thanks to a restoration and beautification grant through Ohio History Connection’s Ohio History Fund. State Rep. Bob Peterson (R-Washington Court House) announced the news, stating that the theatre was one of 12 grant recipients selected for this year’s funding.
The $15,705 grant will cover the restoration of damaged plaster and decorative work in the lobby and auditorium of the Murphy Theatre, which was built in 1918. The grant was approved by the History Fund review panel.
In a statement, Peterson said, “The Murphy Theatre provides entertainment year-round and is a staple of the Wilmington community. Making repairs to the parts of the theatre that were affected by water damage will ensure that audience members will be able to enjoy the Murphy for years to come as I and my family and friends have for over 50 years.”
The Ohio History Fund generates grants through state income tax, sales of the Ohio History “mastodon” license plates, and donations to the Ohio History Connection. Since its inception in 2012, the Ohio History Fund has awarded $1.2 million to 122 history and cultural organizations across the state.
