40 years after being nearly lost forever, the Orpheum Theatre this month is offering free walk-in tours of the historic venue. "All of us at The Orpheum truly respect and adore the theatre, and we are honored to be able to work for such a magnificent place that has impacted so many," Erin Glasnovich, Executive Director, says. "We also greatly enjoy the opportunity to show off the theatre: besides its obvious architectural beauty, its historical legacy and storied past are absolutely fascinating." Facility Manager Ross McIntire will be guiding tours during the week on Tuesdays through Fridays at 1:00 pm. "I've never met someone with such a vault of memory as Ross," Glasnovich states. "He's catalogued away every newspaper article, firsthand account, and public record he can get his hands on (and still does). The devotion he displays to The Orpheum and excitement he exhibits on the theatre tours is entirely genuine, which makes the experience that much more fun. We hope many people take us up on the invitation to visit." Groups, clubs, families, and classrooms are encouraged to attend. Those unable to make the walk-in tours are welcome to contact the theatre to schedule a private tour. Theatre tours range from 20-40 minutes in length, depending on group size and availability. "The builders of the Orpheum envisioned this theatre as a shrine to democracy wherein everyone is welcome to share in its wonder and hospitality," McIntire says. "We want to carry that mission into the present, and give everyone a chance to see one of Galesburg's finest buildings up close as well as hear the tales and lore of the highs and lows of its life." The Orpheum has a wide range of events scheduled for this month including an evening with Fran Lebowitz on November 9, Henhouse Prowlers and the Frank F. Sidney's Western Bandit Volunteers concert on November 12, and a screening of The Sender on November 18. Find out more by visiting www.galesburgorpheum.org/thesender. Contact The Orpheum to schedule private theatre tours at (309) 342-2299 Tue-Fri, 10:00-2:00 pm, or email info@theorpheum.org.