Peterson Announces Restoration Funding for Murphy Theatre

COLUMBUS— State Rep. Bob Peterson (R-Washington Court House) today announced that the Murphy Theatre in Wilmington, Ohio will receive a restoration and beautification grant through Ohio History Connection’s Ohio History Fund.

The Murphy Theatre, built in 1918, was selected as one of 12 grant project recipients. The $15,705 grant, approved by the History Fund review panel, will be used to restore damaged plaster and decorative work in the lobby and auditorium.

“The Murphy Theatre provides entertainment year-round and is a staple of the Wilmington community,” Peterson said. “Making repairs to the parts of the theatre that were effected 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.”

Grants from the Ohio History Fund are generated through state income tax, sales of the Ohio History “mastodon” license plates, and donations to the Ohio History Connection. Since the program’s start in 2012, the Ohio History Fund has awarded $1.2 million to 122 history and cultural organizations across the state.