Volunteers help preserve Proctors legacy

Historical Committee displays stories, artifacts of theatre

SCHENECTADY—People hold history in their hearts and share it with the world. This is especially true for Marilyn Sassi, co-chair of Proctors Historical Committee. A volunteer at Proctors Collaborative for over 19 years, she has extensively worked to preserve and display the magnificent history of the theatre.

For nearly 100 years, Proctors has been a part of downtown Schenectady’s landscape. Starting as a vaudeville and movie house in 1926, and shifting throughout the years, it is now the Capital Region’s only place to see premier Broadway shows live.

The people who volunteer as part of the Historical Committee are tasked with protecting this legacy.

“We are pledged to maintain every artifact, every piece of history, whether it be paper or a three-dimensional object—anything relating to the theatre we are safeguarding,” Sassi said.

Sassi has worn many different hats over the years, and joining the Historical Committee was a natural fit. She’s worked with the Schenectady Historical Society, has taught at Union College and Hudson Valley Community College in their continuing education department and currently is an adjunct at Schenectady Community College and Hudson Valley Community College.

“Plus, we love to do exhibits. We have a little museum up in the mezzanine that was started after the big restoration was done. It had been the original manager’s office when the theatre opened in 1926. There’s a darling little exhibit that we’ve left intact that shows what one of the original dressing rooms would’ve looked like,” she added.

Patrons can visit the museum before shows and during intermission. The committee also has an exhibit set up in the Arcade at Proctors. A large display features the history of founder F. F. Proctor, an influential vaudeville impresario.

These exhibits give the public a rare glimpse into the golden age of cinema and theatre in the region, showcasing everything from vintage costumes and photographs to props and architectural pieces from Proctors past. But preserving history is not a passive endeavor.

Sassi and the committee work tirelessly to ensure that each artifact is properly cared for. One of the most important tasks for the committee is educating the next generation about the theatre’s legacy. Proctors has long been an educational partner of the community, offering tours and programs to schools and local groups. This outreach helps ensure that the theatre’s rich history is passed down to future generations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural treasures right in their backyard.

As Proctors approaches its centennial celebration in 2026, the Historical Committee’s efforts will only continue to grow in importance. The legacy of the theatre—its role in the cultural fabric of Schenectady and beyond—remains alive, both in the grand performances that continue to grace its stage and in the carefully curated exhibits that honor its rich past.

For more information and to sign up for one of the Collaboratives volunteer opportunities visit our website.