Old Greenbelt Theatre (OGT) has won a $75,000 grant from Maryland Historical Trust, administered by Maryland Milestones/Anacostia Trails Heritage Area. This grant will improve the space adjacent to the theater, which is currently in use as the Pop-up. It will help further the mission of creating a destination for historic tourism in Greenbelt. The grant will provide for physical improvements to the Pop-up space, display of exhibits and improvements to the space as a teaching facility.
According to Caitlin McGrath, executive director of Friends of Greenbelt Theatre, “The theater is a de facto landing point for people who are interested in Greenbelt history. Because of our location and the iconic marquee, we can be a launchpad for further exploration of Greenbelt as the caretakers of this historic space.”
Part of the mission of OGT is to be a center for film education in the county, so the grant will support development of the Pop-up space as a Media Arts Literacy Lab. The grant will allow OGT to create historical displays and wayfinding materials for visitors who want to learn more about the history of the city. Over 500 students have come to OGT for field trips and workshops, but the grant will help build a permanent home for these events.
Read more of this story in the August 8 News Review.