Fox Theater Memories Project records

The Fox Tucson Theater began its life as a 1,300-seat movie palace on April 11th, 1930. For years it delighted Tucsonans with the finest Hollywood fare, including premieres and visits from stars. Also of note was the Mickey Mouse Club, an organized outlet for Tucson's kids to spend time at the theater to watch films, participate in contests, as well as other activities. The theater closed in 1974, remaining largely intact; the business records of the theater were thrown out. During the theater's closure, many homeless people found refuge inside the abandoned building.

In 1999, Tucson citizens formed the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation, led by Herb Stratford who would later manage the theater's operation from 2006 to 2008. As a non-profit corporation, the foundation's mission was to purchase, renovate, and restore the theater to its original grandeur. It is the only Southwest art deco theater known to exist, and in April 2004 was designated a National Landmark. The theater reopened in 2005 as a fully functioning movie palace and performing arts facility.

The Fox Theater Memories Project was part of the foundation's efforts, managed by Bill Buehler, to preserve Tucson's cultural heritage, having done extensive research on the history of the theater while the restoration was taking place. This project utilized several volunteers to help research materials, and many interviews with those that experienced the Fox Theater in its heyday were conducted.