A historic theatre is being reborn.
Join us.
Fly Me to the Moon:
A Night for the Liberty Theatre
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, magic, and community as we raise funds to restore Vandalia’s historic Liberty Theatre.
On Thursday, October 2nd, the Vandalia Country Club will host a night filled with live entertainment from Steve Shininger & the ShinSings (Sinatra Review Combo), Sheafor & Simes Duo, and illusionist Keith Joszef. Guests will enjoy cocktails, appetizers, and a silent auction — highlighted by the special release of “Marquis,” a premium bourbon generously donated by Witness Distillery.
All proceeds from the bourbon release and event benefit the restoration of the Liberty Theatre, ensuring this beloved landmark shines once again as a beacon of arts and culture in Vandalia.
Thursday, October 2nd
5:30–8:30 pm
Vandalia Country Club
Suggested donation: $65 per person (limited to 110 guests)
Attire: Cocktail
Hosted by the Vandalia Liberty Theatre Foundation and Vandalia Historical Society, with special sponsorship from Witness Distillery.
Our mission
The Liberty Theatre exists to honor our city’s rich history, revive an irreplaceable landmark, and inspire new generations through the performing arts.
We are committed to returning the Liberty to its former glory — and opening its doors once again to the community it has served for more than a century.
The current state of The Liberty
As of the summer of 2025, The Liberty Theatre sits in a state of advanced decay. A collapsed ceiling, heaps of dust and dirt, and other signs of years of neglect cover nearly every square inch of this former beacon of entertainment.
While the rubble is impossible to ignore, we see the sparse signs of its previous life as a meeting spot for friends, a destination for Vandalia, Illinois, and a cultural hub among the corn fields of Illinois.
Join the Liberty Theatre Foundation’s mission to save this historic building, giving it a new life, purpose, and place in our community.
The Liberty’s Next Act Begins With You…
From Dixie to Liberty: A Community’s Stage
Established around 1910 as the Dixie Theater, the Liberty Theatre has been a cornerstone of Vandalia's cultural landscape. In the 1930s, it underwent a significant transformation, embracing the Art Deco style and reemerging as the Liberty Theatre. This renovation introduced the iconic neon-lit marquee, a hallmark of its architectural charm.
A Beacon of Entertainment
Throughout its operational years, the Liberty Theatre was more than just a movie house. It showcased first-run films and hosted live performances, becoming a gathering place for the community. Its single-screen auditorium echoed with laughter, gasps, and applause, creating memories for generations.
Resilience Through Adversity
In March 1941, the theatre faced adversity when a fire caused extensive damage, estimated at $80,000. The blaze affected the IOOF lodge on the third floor and destroyed the building's air conditioning system. Despite this setback, the Liberty Theatre was repaired and continued to serve the community for decades.
A Pause in the Story
After nearly a century of entertainment, the Liberty Theatre closed its doors in early 2008. The closure marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of cultural significance and a building rich with history.
The Next Act: Restoration and Revival
Today, efforts are underway to restore the Liberty Theatre to its former glory. With plans to transform it into a multi-use performance center, the theatre is poised to once again become a beacon of arts and culture in Vandalia. The community's commitment to this project reflects a deep appreciation for the theatre's historical and cultural value.
Initial rendering of our vision for The Liberty Theatre’s future…
Together, We Can Light Up Liberty Again.
It takes a community to restore a treasure.
The Liberty Theatre has stood for generations as a symbol of Vandalia’s heart and spirit.
Today, it needs more than memories — it needs our community's support to rise again.
Extensive restoration is required to save this historic landmark — from structural repairs and roof replacement to modern upgrades that will ensure its doors can open once again.
This project will take many hands — and many hearts — to succeed. Your donation, no matter the size, becomes part of the legacy we are rebuilding for future generations.
The exterior of The Liberty Theatre will be iconic in the daytime......
After dark, The Liberty Theatre's historic marquee and exterior will be....
Just through the doors of The Liberty Theatre, the lobby includes...
The Liberty Theatre's lobby also includes...
With a grand staircase to the second-level of The Liberty Theatre...
The performance area of The Liberty Theatre will feature...
The view from The Liberty Theatre's stage is...
The first floor of The Liberty Theatre will...
Liberty Theatre's second floor includes...
“Imagine a reborn Liberty Theatre — alive with music, performances, classic film, and community celebrations.
A place where history meets hope, and where a new generation will create memories beneath the iconic marquee.”
— Dana Miller Leskera, President of The Liberty Theatre Foundation
Will you help us light up
The Liberty?
Our Board of Directors
Dana Miller Leskera, President
Bryan Radliff, Vice President
Tracy Knutson, Secretary
Greta Krueger, Treasurer
Jay Leskera, Council
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