The Lincoln marked the big 1-0-0 centennial in April 2026. Downtown Mount Vernon has had a heartbeat for almost 100 years, and it beats inside the Lincoln Theatre. Community members have filled these seats through silent films, vaudeville, hard times, and comebacks—laughing, crying, and occasionally heckling the screen together from a squeaky seat.
The Centennial Campaign launched to make much-needed improvements to keep the Lincoln standing, open to everyone, and built to last another hundred years. Thanks to the generosity of this community, that promise has been kept.
Centennial Renovations Supported by over 600 Community Members:
A theatre everyone can get into
Expanded ADA seating gave patrons who use wheelchairs or mobility devices real room to sit with friends and family, not off to the side. And backstage, a space that was once just a hard-to-reach green room has been transformed into a true community space—now serving as a classroom and event venue where audiences can step behind the curtain and get closer to the art on stage and screen. A new lift, along with leveled floors and raised ceilings, means that space is finally open to everyone: performers, students, volunteers, and visitors of all abilities.
Modern air cooling and heating, to keep the focus on stage and not on the temperature
A new multi-zone heating and cooling system with automatic controls now keeps the Lincoln comfortable year-round, including air conditioning, throughout the entire building for the first time. That upgrade did more than solve a comfort problem: on the hottest days, the Lincoln can now open its doors as a cooling center for the community. And with a building that no longer overheats, the Lincoln can expand programming through the summer months.
A safer building, top to bottom
The theatre’s old natural gas heater was removed, and the aging electrical work that supported it was fully overhauled—closing the door on a real fire risk and bringing safety systems throughout the building up to current code.
Lincoln History & Campaign Timeline
1926: The Lincoln Theatre opened
1984: The Lincoln closed & was almost torn down
1987: Lincoln Theatre Center Foundation was organized to restore the Lincoln
1990s–2000s: Act II Campaign Launched to renovate the Lincoln
2023: Centennial Campaign launched
2024: TRICO Companies retained to start upgrade plans
June 2026: Theatre closes & renovations begin
Fall 2026: Lincoln Theatre Grand Reopening
Be a part of the Centennial Legacy
- Mark Your Mark with a Seat Plaque: A gift of $1,000 includes a Named Chair in the Lincoln! Honor your family, celebrate a milestone, or recognize someone who loves the theatre. You’ll receive confirmation of your chair dedication and recognition as a Centennial Campaign supporter. Buy a seat plaque online or email development[at]lincolntheatre.org
- Commemorate with a Tile in the Community Mural: Showcase your support for the arts and honor your connection to the Lincoln with a permanent backstage tile. A gift of $250 or $500 places your custom logo or design on a beautiful mural on public display in the new backstage community event space. Complete this form and email development[at]lincolntheatre.org
- Leave Your Mark on the Marquee Wall: For a gift of $100 or more, your name joins a mural on display in the concessions lobby, seen by every guest as they grab popcorn before the show. A simple, lasting way to say you were part of Lincoln’s centennial story. Donate online or email development[at]lincolntheatre.org
- Leave Your Name on the Lincoln’s Next Century: Naming a room at the Lincoln is a permanent thread woven into the story of this building. Your family name, foundation, or business could be proudly displayed where an actor finds their character, a class discovers the arts, or a community gathers before the show begins.
| Stage | $500,000 |
| Box Office Kiosk | $150,000 |
| Lobby | $75,000 |
| Art Bar | $50,000 |
| Concession Stand | $50,000 |
| Hospitality Kitchen | $25,000 |
| Makeup Area | $25,000 |
| Dressing Rooms (3 available) | $25,000 each |
| ADA Seating (2 available) | $25,000 each |
| Artist Entrance | $25,000 |
Naming opportunities are valid for 10 years. To claim a space or ask a question, contact development[at]lincolntheatre.org.
Contact Us
If you’d like to learn more about leaving your mark and legacy at the Lincoln, please contact:
Elise Cope, Development Director
Lincoln Theatre Foundation
development[at]lincolntheatre.org
360.419.7129 ext. 104
