We're thrilled to announce that the Waldo has been awarded a generous grant from the Davis Family Foundation! 

This grant is specifically earmarked for beginning our initial restoration work: it marks an important step towards getting some brickwork done and will put a dent in what we need to raise for a new roof! 

The Davis Family Foundation is a public charitable foundation established by Phyllis C. Davis and H. Halsey Davis of Falmouth, Maine, to support educational, medical and cultural/arts organizations located primarily in Maine. 

In 2017, The Davis Family Foundation awarded grants to a variety of community efforts, such as The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, Eastern Maine Medical Center, the Island Institute, the Lincoln County Community Theatre, the Portland Public Library, and many more. For those interested, a list can be found here. 

We're beyond thrilled to be among those who have received grants from this generous foundation. An excerpt from our project description says,

The Board has launched a Capital Campaign to restore the building, expand organizational capacity, and prepare for a sustainable future. The Waldo Theatre is a structural gem, still standing in relatively good shape after 80 years. Although the building incurred moisture and other damage after a decade with little maintenance, it is structurally sound. Significant progress has already been made thanks to volunteer labor and community support: sump pumps are operating, mold remediation on the lower floor is complete, the boiler system has been upgraded, an energy audit is underway, and all debt has been paid. Phase 1 projects will include chimney reconstruction, new roof and gutter installation, electrical and plumbing repairs, insulation, energy efficiency improvements, and beginning interior renovations (which will ultimately include plaster repair, refurbishing seating, replacing carpet, restroom repair and system upgrades). Investment in these restoration efforts is critical. Success here will ensure a strong structural foundation and enable the Board to focus on expanding organizational capacity and ultimately to reopening the doors.

Now on the list of Maine’s most endangered landmarks, the Waldo is a unique facility that can play a role in the revitalization of Waldoboro and the enrichment of the underserved populations in this rural coastal region. The Board strongly believes in the transformative power of the arts and its vision for the future is bold: a vibrant theatre will serve as a cultural hub, sparking an economic and cultural renaissance in downtown Waldoboro and Midcoast Maine. Year-round programming will include a full slate of films, concerts and live community and professional theatre; the theatre will have the technological capacity to live stream educational and entertainment content; and signature youth arts programs, workshops and festivals will deepen the aspirations of the region’s residents, particularly its youth, and enhance the quality of life for all.

We are so grateful to our amazing grant writer and host of volunteers on the board, Capital Campaign Committee and more, without whom this would not be possible. 

You can be a part of this local renaissance too! Our major fundraising event of the summer is the Raising the Roof Barn Party on August 1st. Get your tickets today to support the theatre restoration and enjoy some great entertainment!