Memphis Heritage, Inc. was founded in 1975 as a non-profit educational and charitable organization.  From our efforts to save the Hill mansion on Union Avenue to our efforts today encompassing the entire city, Memphis Heritage keeps working to preserve our area's rich history.  As Memphis Heritage celebrates its 37 year anniversary, it continues to be the voice for the preservation of the Memphis area's architectural heritage.  

Learn more about us and our upcoming events.

Another Special Treat during May…National Preservation Month

This year’s theme is “Discover America's Hidden Gems.”  We thought

we would put a twist on this theme and present two lectures and an exhibit about some “lost” gems, Memphis’ lost Movie Houses! Our historic treasures many lost to urban renewal and new development.

Join us at “Memphis At The Movies”…1900 to 1929

Vincent Astor sat in the darkened Malco Theatre watching “True Grit” (the John Wayne version) when he looked up.  By the light of the projector he became really aware of the gilded ornamentation and huge chandeliers for the first time.  This, and the knowledge that there was a pipe organ in there somewhere, began a lifelong interest in Movie Palaces, the great gilded showplaces of Vaudeville and early silent films.  During the month of May, at Howard Hall, his collection of Memphis artifacts and vintage photos will be on display and he will give two talks. 

During the 1970s he did a lot of local research and amassed a small collection of artifacts as the downtown movie palaces went away, one by one.  Memphis Heritage is currently displaying the largest piece at Howard Hall.  It is a 5-foot plaster urn, the largest known artifact from the Warner/Pantages theatre which once stood facing Main between Monroe and Union.  Other artifacts in the collection are from Loew’s State and Loew’s Palace theatres.

The Nickel-Odeons had many fanciful names (Theatorium, Amuse-U, Pastime, Idle Hour), changed names and locations and disappeared without a trace.  The City Directories list at least 25 between 1900 and 1929 and a number of photographs have surfaced.  The larger theatres, the Grand Opera House/First Orpheum and the Lyceum also had their time as movie theatres.  In May, their story will be told again. Our first lecture will be Thursday, May 17^th and is titled Before the Palaces (before 1920) and the second The Gilded Halls (1920-29). The second lecture on Thursday, May 24^th will be   The Gilded Halls (1920-29).

Both lectures will start at 6:30pm at Howard Hall. Reservations are required and space is limited. A donation of $15 per lecture or $25 for both is requested. Registration is available below or by calling the MHI offices at 901.272.2727.

Choose One

May 17th ONLY $15.00 USD May 24th ONLY $15.00 USD Both Sessions $25.00 USD

You don’t want to miss this very special opportunity to learn about Memphis’ Movie Palaces.

  Architecture and Our Youth: 2012 Design Competition

In honor of National Preservation Month, May 2012 

                     Sponsored by the Art Center  

Opening Reception :               

Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 6:00 pm, Memphis Heritage at Howard Hall, 2282 Madison

Exhibit :                                   

May 2012, Memphis Heritage at Howard Hall

Memphis Heritage, Inc. and AIA Memphis are proud to announce the 6th Architecture and Our Youth Design Competition for 4th - 12th grade level youth in Shelby County. Participants are asked to explore historic buildings and spaces around them through an art medium of their choice. In addition, an essay is submitted describing how the individual responds to the art emotionally and/or physically. Winners in each division receive prizes during the opening reception and will have their artwork on exhibit along with their written responses during May 2012. The goal of this exhibit is to communicate through images and words how our youth respond to the built environment.

FOR ALL THE DETAILS CLICK HERE