Huntingdon Historical Society to Meet at The Dixie

The Huntingdon Historical Society’s next meeting is Wednesday, September 17, at 9 a.m. at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center.

In 1999, Mayor Dale Kelley and business leaders met to address the revitalization of Huntingdon’s Central Business District, placing an emphasis on bringing in a new restaurant and a theater for citizens of Huntingdon and its surrounding area to enjoy. That December, Mayor Dale Kelley revealed plans for the theater to be called The Dixie Carter Performing Arts And Academic Enrichment Center. The Dixie is named after Dixie Carter, a famous actress and known resident of Carroll County.

The Dixie was to be housed in four of the original buildings downtown that were 125 years old. However, in 2004, during construction, a portion of the south wall collapsed. For safety reasons, it was decided that the original buildings would be demolished and a new building erected. Bricks from the original building have been used throughout The Dixie.

The theater within the Arts Center was named after actor Hal Holbrook, Carter’s husband. Both Holbrook and Carter supported The Dixie through fundraisers and live performances.

The Academic Enrichment Center provides educational and cultural opportunities for area children. The Dixie provides the following programs for children: dance classes, Dixie Youth Theatre, Dixie Children’s Chorus, Mudslinger’s Pottery Studio and summer camps. The Dixie also partners with Huntingdon Middle School to offer after-school classes.