Who We Are
On June 11, 2002, the Committee to Save the Sameric was formed by preservationists, leaders of the Philadelphia film community, and citizens concerned about the future of Center City Philadelphia's last movie palace, the Sameric theater, built as the Boyd in 1928. The Committee was alarmed by the theater's closure on May 3, 2002, the property owner's application for a demolition permit, and the owner's opposition to historic designation for the theater. The Committee proclaimed its intent to save the Sameric.
On September 17, 2002, the organizational meeting of the Friends of the Boyd, Inc. was held. The Friends is a nonprofit organization which intends to assist with the restoration of the Boyd and with a film program, public tours, and exhibits of the movie palace's history. By letter of January 16, 2003, the Internal Revenue Service recognized the Friends as a nonprofit organization under section 501 (c) (3).
Board of Directors of Friends of the Boyd
- Chairman & President, Howard B. Haas, Esq.
- Vice Chair & Vice President, J. Matthew Wolfe, Esq.
- Treasurer, William J. D. Jordan
- Secretary, Charlene Nolten
- John Andrew Gallery
- Fran Levi
- Laura Henrich
- Lisa Rosen
Advisory Committee of Friends of the Boyd
- Jonathan Goldstein, Esq.
- The Honorable Babette Josephs, State Representative
- Andrew Repasky McElhinney, Film Director
- Ray Murray, President, Philadelphia Film Society
- Michael Norris, Executive Director of ArtReach
- Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office
- Adrian Scott Fine, Director of Advocacy, Los Angeles Conservancy
Many volunteers assist the Friends of the Boyd. Enlist as a volunteer.
Mission Statement of Friends of the Boyd
The mission of the Friends of the Boyd is to ensure an accurate and thorough restoration of Center City Philadelphia's last surviving movie palace, the Boyd Theatre at 1908 Chestnut Street, and to assist the property owner in operating a film series, public tours, exhibits, and other community programs at the Boyd. The Friends of the Boyd also strive to ensure that the Boyd serve as an anchor for the positive economic revitalization of Chestnut Street and a good neighbor to the surrounding Rittenhouse Square district.
Goals of the Friends of the Boyd
The Sameric should be restored to its Art Deco splendor, and renamed the Boyd Theatre as the Boyd name is beloved. The original dazzling Art Deco marquee, vertical sign, ticket booth, and non-surviving facade Art Deco glass should be recreated.
The interior should be restored to its original 1928 color scheme and decorations. Missing art deco chandeliers, especially in the lobby, will be recreated. Chairs in the balcony original to 1928 should refurbished with their original Art Deco upholstery; new identical chairs are available for the rest of the auditorium. The Lower Lounge should be restored to reflect the elegance of a Jazz Age theater.
The stagehouse will be expanded for live performances.
The theater should be equipped with two projectors that can project in 35 & 70 MM each, surround sound, and a huge screen. As the original organ is played often in a Delaware high school, an electronic organ should be acquired. A film program should consist of classic films, Film Festival films, and Hollywood style premieres.
There will be exhibits on the history of the Boyd. Donations will help restore the theater. Volunteers will conduct regular tours.
Easements to the interior and exterior should be donated to the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia so that the restored Boyd will be preserved for future generations.