A $4 million fundraising campaign is underway to purchase the Magic Lantern in Bridgton, and expand the community engagement it offers with the development of an innovation lab and learning center for youth.

The 4-H program, run by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension plans to run the theater in the same manner, showing current movies and operating an upgraded HD projector in a dine-in theater area. Youth and community education will focus on literacy, the arts, engineering, and community education. This is a 4-H Youth Development, career and aspirations project.

Included are naming opportunities to honor individuals and local businesses. The theater will remain named the Magic Lantern, but the 4-H Innovation Lab and Learning Center can be named for a prominent individual, family or business. In addition, each of the theaters and balconies will have the opportunity to hold a prestigious name. Currently, the spaces represent Bridgton’s historic theaters and stages. The idea is to add the name of a family, individual, organization or business in front of each of the current names, thus holding onto the history, while honoring a local donor.

Over half of the funds have been raised, but there is a long way to go to reach the $2 million still needed for the project. The naming rights are a wonderful way to celebrate those who have made a tremendous difference in the Bridgton and surrounding communities. Honoring an individual or family that has been prominent in the area is a great way to hold onto the local history and culture.

The historic significance of the theater and arts in Bridgton is something we treasure coming into this project. Keeping the beautiful historic collections and ambiance celebrating the history of theater and storytelling in Bridgton will not be lost when this project moves forward.

The theater would be operated by the Maine 4-H Foundation as a philanthropic project designed to support local youth and community education. The Maine 4-H Foundation will work to preserve the incredible history and beauty of the theater. The goal is to keep the movie theater operating in the same manner, while adding opportunities for educational outreach to local schools, youth groups, organizations and the community. Educational programs and presentations for youth during the school day would not interrupt the operations of the movie theater for the community. Instead the business revenue will be a one hundred percent philanthropic venture supporting local youth innovation. 

Community support is needed to make this project a reality. Not only will the project save the beauty and history of the Magic Lantern, it will also bring some wonderful educational programs to young people and the community from the University of Maine. Currently, UMaine programs are about an hour away for all residents, including youth. Bringing the new learning center into the area would be a significant benefit for everyone. Help make this project a reality.

“In order for the proposed project to work, we need the support of the entire community. We want to hear from you — if you are interested in getting involved, contributing to our effort and supporting our youth, please contact us,” said Susan Jennings, Executive Director, Maine 4-H Foundation, Resource Development Officer.

UMaine Cooperative Extension.

For more information, details on naming possibilities, or to contribute to the project, contact the Maine 4-H Foundation, at (207) 615-7300 or e-mail to: susan.jennings@maine.edu.

About University of Maine Cooperative Extension:

As a trusted resource for more than 100 years, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine County. UMaine Extension helps support, sustain and grow the food-based economy. It is the only entity in our state that touches every aspect of the Maine Food System, where policy, research, production, processing, commerce, nutrition, and food security and safety are integral and interrelated. UMaine Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine thru 4-H.