A Finger Lakes performing arts venue is about to gain national recognition as theater historians and preservation advocates from across North America make their way through New York state later this month.
Fort Hill Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua will host members of the Theatre Historical Society of America on June 26 as part of the organization’s 2026 Conclave, a weeklong tour of historic and notable theaters throughout Western and Central New York and the Finger Lakes region. During the visit, the venue will be formally recognized as a Distinguished Theatre, an honor reserved for theaters that demonstrate exceptional contributions to preserving and promoting the theatrical experience.
More than 50 theater enthusiasts from across the United States and the United Kingdom are expected to visit Fort Hill during the stop. The group will tour the facility, participate in a meeting and luncheon, and learn about the theater’s role in the cultural life of the Finger Lakes.
The recognition will be presented by Theatre Historical Society of America President Gary Parks during a ceremony at the venue. Fort Hill will receive a certificate and commemorative decal marking its designation as a Distinguished Theatre.
Fort Hill Board President Gordon Estey said the designation reflects years of support from staff, volunteers, donors and community members who have helped sustain the organization and expand its impact in the region.
The Theatre Historical Society of America, founded in 1969, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, documenting and celebrating the architectural, cultural and social significance of historic theaters throughout North America. Its annual Conclave brings together theater historians, preservationists and enthusiasts for educational programming and behind-the-scenes tours of notable performing arts venues.
Fort Hill is one of 20 theaters included on this year’s itinerary. The tour also features several prominent New York venues, including the Smith Opera House in Geneva, Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, the Stanley Theatre in Utica and the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse.
The selection places Fort Hill among some of the state’s most recognized theater destinations and highlights the role smaller regional venues continue to play in preserving performing arts traditions while serving their local communities.
Located in downtown Canandaigua, Fort Hill has become a year-round center for live entertainment, hosting concerts, theatrical productions, lectures and community events. The venue occupies a historic building and has developed a reputation for attracting both local performers and nationally recognized acts.
Organizers say the June 26 visit will also provide an opportunity to showcase Canandaigua and the broader Finger Lakes region to visitors from outside New York. Many attendees are expected to spend the week traveling between theater destinations while exploring the communities that support them.
For Fort Hill, the recognition represents both a celebration of its history and an acknowledgment of its continuing role as a cultural anchor in the Finger Lakes.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.
