On Thursday, May 4, 1865—what became known as the “Day of Jubilee”—Union soldiers arrived in Clarke County and freed the county’s roughly 5,000 enslaved Africans. Now, 154 years later, the Morton Theatre Corporation is joining with the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM), Fred Smith of the Athens Area Black History Committee, and various community leaders to celebrate this historic occasion.
One of the first, and the oldest surviving vaudeville theatre in the United States, uniquely built, owned, and operated by an African-American; the Morton opened in 1910 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Whether you are planning a comedy night, a dance show, a stirring drama, or a social event, we’d love to show you all that the Morton has to offer as a unique venue. Experience a part of the local history while creating some of your own!
The Pharmacy is our reception hall space. It is built in the historic E.D. Harris Pharmacy and designed to maintain the historic significance of the space. It has several antique pharmacists tools and medications in glass cases along the wall, a bar, a warming kitchen for caterers AND a panoramic view of Athens' Hot Corner.
This fashion show will feature garments made by the girls in the Young Designers Sewing Program. The audience will see original designs created by and sewn by these young girls. The girls will model their own creations.
Center City Ballet and Movement Arts presents its annual spring showcase, featuring all students, age three and up.
Desi Terrell Banks, Jr. has been writing, performing, and producing comedy for over four years. Desi Banks was able to build his brand and display his comedy through social media. He has built his fan base up to nearly 1 Million Followers from Instagram, twitter and Facebook.
The Walker School of Ballet presents its annual dance recital. Ticketing for this event is handled solely by the presenter. For ticketing information go to walkerballet.com
The historic Morton has housed dozens of businesses over its storied history. The corner space we know as the E. D. Harris Pharmacy can provide the perfect backdrop for any small gathering.
