The Thomasville History Center and the Jack Hadley Black History Museum invite you to join us for a walk down memory lane as we look back at the Ritz Theatre and share memories of the popular hangout at “Do You Remember? The Ritz Theatre” on Tuesday, February 5 at 7:00pm. This special edition of “Do You Remember” will bring the community conversation to a new location at the Jack Hadley Black History Museum’s Bell Library on the former Douglass High School campus at 214 Alexander St, Thomasville.

The History Center’s “Do You Remember?” programs consist of a panel of local “experts” who share their memories and experiences about a local business or event with added audience participation of sharing stories and asking questions. This program will focus on the silver screen hits and days spent at the Ritz Theatre on West Jackson Street in the “The Bottom.” This event is free and open to all and no reservations are required.

The Ritz Theatre was operated by Interstate Enterprises, which managed several theaters in the region such as the Rose Theatre, The Mode, and more. The Ritz Theatre served African-American community members during the era of segregation and operated from the mid-1930’s until the late 1970s. Like the other Interstate theaters, the Ritz was given a name containing only four letters. The Ritz often showed second run films, repeating releases from years prior, and thrillers. The Ritz was demolished around 1980 and today, the location of the former theater hosts the City’s amphitheater, which is named in honor of the theatre.

The Jack Hadley Black History Museum educates individuals about the history and culture of African Americans locally and nationally. Historian James “Jack” Hadley has preserved over 5,034 African American artifacts with emphasis on Thomasville’s first black achievers, state and national achievers that commemorate their lives and accomplishments. These thousands of collectible artifacts, documents, books, prints, posters and photos chronicling black history can be found on the former campus of Douglass High School in Thomasville, former all black school that was segregated from 1902-1970 located in the Dewey City Community. The Douglass High School Alumni Association, Inc. now owns the facility. The Jack Hadley Black History Museum is owned and operated by the Jack Hadley Black History Memorabilia, Inc., located at 214 Alexander Street, and is a non-profit 501 c-3 tax exempt organization that was founded in 1994. Learn more about our collection and programs at www.jackhadleyblackhistorymuseum.com, by phone (229) 226-5029, or find us on Facebook and Instagram using @hadleyblackhistorymuseum.

The Thomasville History Center was formed in 1952 and opened a museum within the Flowers-Roberts House in 1972.  Since 1972, the Thomasville History Center’s collections have grown to include more than 500,000 artifacts and archival materials and eight historic structures.  The History Center, in partnership with the state of Georgia, also operates the historic Lapham-Patterson House. Our board, staff, and growing membership invite you to join us in our dedication to ensuring that the appreciation of our unique history remains an intrinsic and unbroken thread connecting the past and future through settings that advance our story.  Find us on Instagram and Facebook using @thomasvillehistory to follow our daily updates on current programs, research projects, and images from our photographic archives. For more information, please visit www.thomasvillehistory.org or call 229-226-7664.