Attucks Theatre was opened in 1919 in Church Street, Norfolk. This was an historic area dating to the 17th century, where there was a large African-American community. The theater became a focus for African-American business and entertainment, and remains the first theater in America to be solely financed and operated by African-Americans. The theater has been designated a national historic landmark.
The theater is named after Crispus Attucks, the first African-American to be killed in the 18th century Boston Massacre, and a scene depicting the event can be seen today on the fire curtain. It was established by an organization of black businessmen known as the Twin Cities Amusement Corporation who wanted to build a cultural center for the African-American community, providing entertainment at affordable prices. The theater's program included plays, vaudeville, movies and music performances. Its has played host to many legends of music and theater including Duke Wellington, Nat King Cole and Redd Foxx.
Over the years the theater has been used for music recitals, writing competitions and black history exhibitions. It also hosted church services, and provided offices for local professionals and entrepreneurs but by the mid 1950s it was no longer used as a theater.
Today the theater has a varied program of music events including folk dances and music from across America, singer-songwriters, folk and blues bands, and award-winning gospel singers.
The Crispus Attucks Cultural Center was set up in 1990 to preserve the theater through fundraising and promoting awareness of African-American cultural activities. Programs include the Theatre Action Project that provides interactive theater and arts programs for 5-18 year olds.
