The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Legacy Theater has a long history as part of two prominent educational institutions that began here in Carthage: Carthage College from 1870 to1962 and Robert Morris College from 1965 to 1989. It derives its name from these connections.
Legacy Theater was built as an auditorium for Carthage College in 1953. The facility was used by both Carthage and Robert Morris colleges for their music and drama departments, for graduations, movies, and large meetings. It was the chapel for Carthage College. Robert Morris College renamed the building Bryan Auditorium.
After the departure of Robert Morris College, the auditorium and the rest of the campus was not used for many years. It was purchased by Prairieland Investment Group in 2007. While most of the campus is used by Carthage Veterinary Service/Professional Swine Management, the auditorium was gifted in 2008 to Carl Sandburg College for its branch campus in Carthage.
The Carl Sandburg district passed bonds and made major renovations to the auditorium. It was used for classes and programs until 2016,
Carthage purchased the theater for $100 in 2016 from Carl Sandburg College. That same year, the Legacy Theater Foundation Inc., a not-for-profit organization, was formed and has run all aspects of the theater operations. The theater is managed with volunteer committees and two part time employees.
The theater box office is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. For tickets and information, call 217-357-9479 or go to thelegacytheater.com.