Starlight Theatre Collection Update and Missouri Valley Sunday Announcement
In 2023, the Starlight Theater donated 51 boxes of archival records to the Library’s Missouri Valley Special Collections, representing more than 70 years of its history.
Archivist Abbey Briscoe is processing this important collection so that it is available to future generations of researchers. Abbey’s background in theater, which she studied at Kansas State University for her undergrad, had been an asset as she identifies items in the collection.
In 2023, the Starlight Theater donated 51 boxes of archival records to the Library’s Missouri Valley Special Collections, representing more than 70 years of its history.
Archivist Abbey Briscoe is processing this important collection so that it is available to future generations of researchers. Abbey’s background in theater, which she studied at Kansas State University for her undergrad, had been an asset as she identifies items in the collection.
As of May 2026, all 51 boxes have been inventoried. The next step will be to arrange the collection. Items of interest include original show programs beginning in the 1950s, a miniature model for a production of “The Wizard of Oz,” thousands of photographs from previous productions, and detailed scrapbooks that were made by the late Jan Morevitska, a former ambassador at Starlight Theatre. With over half the collection accounted for, Briscoe hopes to have the materials accessible to the public before the end of the year.
Mark your calendar for June 7 when there will be a program at Central Library celebrating the city’s oldest and largest performing arts organization, with items from the Starlight collection on display.
As of May 2026, all 51 boxes have been inventoried. The next step will be to arrange the collection. Items of interest include original show programs beginning in the 1950s, a miniature model for a production of “The Wizard of Oz,” thousands of photographs from previous productions, and detailed scrapbooks that were made by the late Jan Morevitska, a former ambassador at Starlight Theatre. With over half the collection accounted for, Briscoe hopes to have the materials accessible to the public before the end of the year.
Mark your calendar for June 7 when there will be a program at Central Library celebrating the city’s oldest and largest performing arts organization, with items from the Starlight collection on display.