About

FRIENDS OF THE CORONADO

Photos


Our Mission

The mission of the Friends of the Coronado is to champion the historic Coronado Theatre, a time-honored symbol of civic pride, as a performing arts center and community asset for all to use and share.

The Friends of the Coronado Foundation is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1997 to launch a fund-raising campaign to expand, restore and renovate Rockford's "Wonder Theatre." The Friends of the Coronado organization would go on to guide every detail of the planning, community involvement and fundraising for the $18.5 million theater project, which was awarded the highest honor by the United States Department of the Interior. 

Our Priorities

Serving Our Community

Historic preservation with impeccable accuracy and excellence. Learn more

  • The Friends of the Coronado provides the expertise and necessary direction to enable the Coronado Theatre to successfully preserve the historic design integrity of the architecture, furnishings and interior finishes. 
  • Preservation projects are planned and implemented with impeccable accuracy and excellence.

High-quality student educational programming. Learn more and register

  • Reach for the Stars Project 
  • Coronado Classroom Project

Community access to the Coronado for “all to use and share.” Learn more and register

  • Coronado Theatre Education Center – Photos, newspaper clippings, an firsthand accounts of the Coronado's history are on display for the public's viewing in the Coronado Classroom Education Center of the Coronado Theatre. It's truly an exceptional display of living history (Provided by the Friends of the Coronado and The Land of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society)
  • Public Historic Tours of the Coronado Theatre - Provided by the Friends of the Coronado and The Land of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society
  • Special Events -Register to receive information on upcoming events 
Friends of the Coronado

Today, the Friends of the Coronado and the Coronado Theatre serve our region, strengthening our economy and exemplifying civic pride and excellence.  The Friends of the Coronado is committed to uplifting our community by preserving the Coronado Theatre, a registered National Historic Landmark, with impeccable historic integrity. 

We are committed to youth education programs to empower and equip young people with knowledge of historic preservation, civic engagement, and local and world historic events as they relate to the Coronado's rich history. Equally important, our youth performing arts program Reach for the Stars exposes thousands of school age children annually to world-class performing arts experiences at no cost to the students or the schools, eliminating financial barriers. 

We are committed to ensuring all people have access to the Coronado, so this architectural and cultural landmark and the many performances that grace its stage continue to enrich and inspire our community.

Preservation

Each preservation project requires tremendous research and care. The Friends of the Coronado are working behind the scenes to research with a wide network of preservation and theater experts to plan and implement replacement, and restoration projects with the highest historic preservation standards and success.

Community and Children’s Outreach

The Friends’ donors and sponsors provide 100% accessible programs to bring children and community members to have a special day at the Coronado through the Reach For Stars, Coronado Classroom, and Coronado Education Center projects. Visit our education page to learn more.


90% of my students had never been to the Coronado… I loved watching their faces. They can’t stop talking about the experience. This project is so important for our community.”

–RPS 4th Grade Teacher

Friends of the Coronado

Our mission is to champion the historic Coronado Theatre, a time-honored symbol of civic pride, as a performing arts center and community asset for all to use and share. Friends of the Coronado is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

LOCATION

324 N. Main Street
Rockford, IL 61101

MAILING ADDRESS

Friends of the Coronado Foundation
P.O. Box 1976
Rockford, IL 61110

CONTACT

BECOME A VIP MEMBER OF THE Friends of the CORONADO - IT'S EASY AND FREE

Be the first to receive information on our special events – 1927 Grand Barton Organ concerts, historic tour events and receptions. Experience our amazing historic photos, and so much more!

Photo Copyright Restrictions - Unauthorized use of photos on this website is prohibited. Please contact the Friends of the Coronado for further information. 

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