[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E566]]
        RECOGNIZING THE ``LOST THEATRES OF SOMERVILLE'' PROJECT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2003

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Somerville 
Museum on the ``Lost Theatres of Somerville'' project, a multifaceted 
exhibition of the architectural, commercial and cultural significance 
of fourteen movie theaters that were built and operated during the 
twentieth century.
  This ``Visual and Oral History of Somerville's Picture Palaces'' is 
an in-depth portrait of Somerville's theatres through compilations of 
photographs, artifacts and other documents. The exhibit will juxtapose 
historic accounts of the theatres with present-day photos of the 
theatre sites.
  In addition to the visual displays, a collection of oral histories 
will provide first-hand narratives about the legendary theaters of 
Somerville. Dr. Guss, a professor of Sociology and Anthropology at 
Tufts University, will conduct the oral history component of the 
exhibit. The Lost Theaters of Somerville display will also include a 
speaker series. Former theater employees, cultural geographers, 
anthropologists, and architectural and theatrical historians will share 
their memories and perceptions of Somerville's theatres.
  The Somerville Museum will keep photographs of the theaters in its 
permanent archives of Somerville history, and oral history tapes will 
be held at the Somerville Public Library. Retaining these accounts 
ensures that the legacy of Somerville's twentieth century movie 
theaters will extend well into the twenty-first century.
  Many thanks to the Lost Theaters of Somerville coordinators for the 
work they have done to document and preserve a very special aspect of 
Somerville's history.

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