A free public program on the rise of Schine Theaters will be held January 3 at the Geneva History Museum, offering a unique look into one of America’s historic movie chains.
The event, titled Schine Theaters: An American Story, starts at 2 p.m. at 543 S. Main Street in Geneva. It’s presented by the Antiques Club of the Finger Lakes in partnership with Historic Geneva.
From matinees to museum talks
Leading the program is Geneva’s own Karen Colizzi Noonan, a longtime Schine Theaters historian. Her passion for the iconic chain began when she was just six, attending weekend movies at the Schine Geneva Theater in the 1960s.
That building—now known again as the Smith Opera House—became a lifelong connection for Noonan, who later volunteered there and began researching its roots.
A family of immigrants who built a movie empire
Through interviews with former employees, their families, and even Hildegard Schine, Noonan uncovered the story of the Schine brothers—Latvian immigrants who arrived in America just as the golden age of cinema was taking hold. The brothers built a vast theater empire across the country, including the one right in downtown Geneva.
Noonan regularly speaks about the theaters and the Schine family’s legacy at history events across former Schine communities.
Antique lovers welcome
The program is part of the Antiques Club of the Finger Lakes’ 50th anniversary season. Annual membership is $15 and includes museum meetings, social gatherings, and field trips. More information is available on their Facebook page.
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