A historic theatre is being reborn.
Join us.
Liberty Theatre Foundation Bourbon Fundraiser
A Pour With Purpose
Bottled with intention, this exclusive Liberty Theatre label Bourbon supports a cause bigger than the bottle. Every pour helps raise funds for the historic theatre’s restoration, bringing back the lights, the laughter, and the legacy.
Why It Matters
The Liberty Theatre has stood in downtown Vandalia, Illinois since 1911. It served as a cultural cornerstone for generations. From vaudeville acts to classic films, its red velvet seats and iconic marquee welcomed countless moments of joy.
Now, the nonprofit Liberty Theatre Foundation is breathing new life into this beloved landmark. Restoration is already underway, and your support brings us one step closer to reopening the doors.
Where Your Money Goes
Your purchase goes directly toward ongoing restoration efforts. It will help preserve the historic facade, fix the roof, repair damaged plaster, upgrade outdated systems, and restore the stage to working order.
It takes many hands and many wallets to bring a building like this back to life. Every bottle helps.
What’s Inside the Bottle
Aged and hand-selected by Witness Distillery, this special edition bottle is as bold as the story it supports.
Tasting Notes – “Smokey and sweet like pineapple bbq sauce leads to a malty palate featuring classic bourbon flavors of caramel, vanilla and pecan pie.”
ABV – 47% (94 proof)
Distilled and Bottled By Witness Distillery, Vandalia, IL
Limited Edition – Approximately 250
Our mission
The Liberty Theatre exists to honor our city’s rich history, revive an irreplaceable landmark, and inspire new generations through the performing arts.
We are committed to returning the Liberty to its former glory — and opening its doors once again to the community it has served for more than a century.
The current state of The Liberty
As of the summer of 2025, The Liberty Theatre sits in a state of advanced decay. A collapsed ceiling, heaps of dust and dirt, and other signs of years of neglect cover nearly every square inch of this former beacon of entertainment.
While the rubble is impossible to ignore, we see the sparse signs of its previous life as a meeting spot for friends, a destination for Vandalia, Illinois, and a cultural hub among the corn fields of Illinois.
Join the Liberty Theatre Foundation’s mission to save this historic building, giving it a new life, purpose, and place in our community.
The Liberty Theatre’s Walk of Fame is a lasting tribute to the individuals, businesses, and organizations that are helping bring this historic treasure back to life. Each star represents a generous gift of $2,500, honoring the donor’s commitment to preserving the arts and history in our community.
Businesses, organizations, groups, or individuals may purchase stars. Every star will be permanently displayed along our Walk of Fame, becoming a visible part of the Theatre’s legacy for generations to come.
Liberty Theatre’s Walk of Fame
Would you be a part of the Liberty Theatre’s future?
The Liberty’s Next Act Begins With You…
From Dixie to Liberty: A Community’s Stage
Established around 1910 as the Dixie Theater, the Liberty Theatre has been a cornerstone of Vandalia's cultural landscape. In the 1930s, it underwent a significant transformation, embracing the Art Deco style and reemerging as the Liberty Theatre. This renovation introduced the iconic neon-lit marquee, a hallmark of its architectural charm.
A Beacon of Entertainment
Throughout its operational years, the Liberty Theatre was more than just a movie house. It showcased first-run films and hosted live performances, becoming a gathering place for the community. Its single-screen auditorium echoed with laughter, gasps, and applause, creating memories for generations.
Resilience Through Adversity
In March 1941, the theatre faced adversity when a fire caused extensive damage, estimated at $80,000. The blaze affected the IOOF lodge on the third floor and destroyed the building's air conditioning system. Despite this setback, the Liberty Theatre was repaired and continued to serve the community for decades.
A Pause in the Story
After nearly a century of entertainment, the Liberty Theatre closed its doors in early 2008. The closure marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of cultural significance and a building rich with history.
The Next Act: Restoration and Revival
Today, efforts are underway to restore the Liberty Theatre to its former glory. With plans to transform it into a multi-use performance center, the theatre is poised to once again become a beacon of arts and culture in Vandalia. The community's commitment to this project reflects a deep appreciation for the theatre's historical and cultural value.
Initial rendering of our vision for The Liberty Theatre’s future…
Together, We Can Light Up Liberty Again.
It takes a community to restore a treasure.
The Liberty Theatre has stood for generations as a symbol of Vandalia’s heart and spirit.
Today, it needs more than memories — it needs our community's support to rise again.
Extensive restoration is required to save this historic landmark — from structural repairs and roof replacement to modern upgrades that will ensure its doors can open once again.
This project will take many hands — and many hearts — to succeed. Your donation, no matter the size, becomes part of the legacy we are rebuilding for future generations.
The exterior of The Liberty Theatre will be iconic in the daytime......
After dark, The Liberty Theatre's historic marquee and exterior will be....
Just through the doors of The Liberty Theatre, the lobby includes...
The Liberty Theatre's lobby also includes...
With a grand staircase to the second-level of The Liberty Theatre...
The performance area of The Liberty Theatre will feature...
The view from The Liberty Theatre's stage is...
The first floor of The Liberty Theatre will...
Liberty Theatre's second floor includes...
“Imagine a reborn Liberty Theatre — alive with music, performances, classic film, and community celebrations.
A place where history meets hope, and where a new generation will create memories beneath the iconic marquee.”
— Dana Miller Leskera, President of The Liberty Theatre Foundation
Will you help us light up
The Liberty?
Our Board of Directors
Dana Miller Leskera, President
Bryan Radliff, Vice President
Tracy Knutson, Secretary
Greta Krueger, Treasurer
Jay Leskera, Council
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