On Saturday, February 15th at 7pm The Orpheum Theatre, with support from the United Way of Knox County and the Illinois Arts Council, presents a FREE screening of the 1989 movie GLORY (PG-13) starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, and Morgan Freeman. This event, presented by The Orpheum Theatre with support through a grant from The United Way of Knox Country promotes the initiative of creating a permanent monument to honor the heroes of the American Civil War. On November 12, 2024, State Representative Dan Swanson, while being accompanied by Galesburg city leaders and community supporters, took to the Illinois State House floor to read a resolution honoring 12 African-American men from Galesburg that fought in the Civil War.
In 1863, following the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, President Abraham Lincoln called for the raising of a black regiment for the Union Army, forming the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. It was only the second black unit to serve in the Civil War.
The movie GLORY (1989) rated PG-13 depicts this very same regiment and prior to its FREE showing, the video recording of the resolution from Rep Dan Swanson will be shown along with brief words from Representative Swanson and the City of Galesburg Ward 4 Alderman – Dwight White, who is largely responsible for moving this initiative forward.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Art Council.
The Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, Illinois exists as a beacon for performing arts and humanities in Central Illinois. By offering engaging programming and preserving its original splendor, the Orpheum serves as a community gathering space and tourist destination, hosting movies, music, dance, comedy, and theatre as well as private bookings.
***Courtesy of The Orpheum Theatre***
