Erin Hill
Gadsden County News Service
Quincy Music Theatre has received a $6,000 grant from Talquin Electric Cooperative and CoBank through the Sharing Success Program to support preservation efforts at the historic Leaf Theatre.
According to a press release, the funding will support Quincy Music Theatre’s Heritage Night preservation initiative and help advance plans to restore and celebrate the downtown theatre.
The organization said the long-term goal is to transform the Leaf Theatre into a cultural destination that blends live theatre, local history and immersive exhibits centered on the venue’s history and community impact.
Plans for the initiative include curated displays featuring historical photographs, vintage costumes, programs, memorabilia, ticket stubs and other artifacts connected to the theatre and Quincy’s cultural history.
Community members and longtime patrons have already begun donating items tied to the theatre for future preservation and exhibits, according to the release.
“These artifacts are more than objects — they are pieces of family history, community identity, and cultural legacy,” said Alicia Kilman, executive director of Quincy Music Theatre. “Every costume, ticket stub, and faded photograph tells a story about the generations of people who gathered here to experience movies, performances, and community events. We want to preserve those stories and create a space where residents and visitors alike can experience Quincy’s history through the arts.”
The preservation project is part of Quincy Music Theatre’s broader mission to protect the historic theatre while expanding arts access and encouraging cultural tourism in the region.
Future restoration plans could include guided tours, educational exhibits and historical experiences focused on both the Leaf Theatre and Quincy’s arts community.
“We take pride in our ‘Concern for Community’ principle and are thrilled to partner with CoBank’s Sharing Success Program to support Quincy Music Theatre,” said Tracy Bensley, general manager of Talquin Electric Cooperative. “This grant celebrates the stories and heritage that make Quincy a community we are proud to serve.”
Quincy Music Theatre’s Heritage Night fundraiser is scheduled for April 10, 2027, and is expected to support continued restoration and preservation efforts at the theatre.
The organization is also encouraging residents with photographs, costumes, memorabilia or stories connected to the Leaf Theatre to contribute to preserving the venue’s history for future generations.
