By Ben T. C. Brooks
Harper, Maryland County –Mayor Abraham Jackson of Harper City is making a heartfelt appeal for the renovation of the historic Harper City Hall Theatre, emphasizing the need to restore the once-vibrant venue to serve the cultural and social needs of residents in Harper and Maryland County.
In an interview with our correspondent, Mayor Jackson highlighted the theatre’s long-standing importance as a central gathering place for performances, community events, and public functions.
Built in the early 1970s during the administration of President William V.S. Tubman, the Harper City Hall Theatre has been the site of numerous cultural activities over the years.
However, Mayor Jackson noted that the facility has fallen into disrepair and no longer meets modern standards for safety and comfort.
“The City Hall Theatre played a significant role in Harper during the 1980s before the civil war,” Mayor Jackson said. “Unfortunately, the 1990 conflict caused extensive damage, and the building has since become outdated. It is essential that we act now to preserve this landmark for future generations.”
Although he acknowledged that he is not an engineer, Mayor Jackson announced plans to launch a multi-phase renovation initiative, beginning with a full assessment of the theatre’s current condition.
This evaluation will form the basis for appeals to the national government and Maryland County expatriates for financial and technical support.
The initial phase will identify the scope of repairs and upgrades required, followed by efforts to secure funding from both public and private partners.
Longtime resident Madam Sarah Harmon reflected on the theatre’s past, saying, “The Harper City Hall Theatre was once our go-to place for school graduations, stage plays, film screenings, and community meetings. It gave Harper a unique cultural identity. I’m excited to hear the Mayor is pushing to bring it back.”
Mayor Jackson’s proposal is scheduled to be presented at the upcoming County Council meeting, where county officials, local leaders, and residents will have a chance to provide feedback and contribute to the planning process.
A separate public forum will also be held to gather community input.
Despite the challenges ahead, Mayor Jackson remains optimistic.
“Together, we can restore the City Hall Theatre and ensure it continues to be a vibrant symbol of our city and county,” he affirmed.
The proposed restoration of the Harper City Hall Theatre is expected to play a central role in reviving cultural life in the city, fostering community engagement, and preserving a cherished piece of Maryland County’s history.
