Local historian Michael Zahs prepares ahead of the showing of some of the oldest moving pictures and magic lantern slides Sunday. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

Cale Rausch, an employee of the theater in period clothing, (right) directs attendees where to be seated Sunday. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

Sunday local historian Michael Zahs presented early moving pictures and magic lantern slides to a sold out crowd at the State Theater in downtown Washington, which is now, officially, the world’s oldest continuously operating cinema. Evelyn Carrera, official representative of Guinnes World Records said she was glad to be in Washington to recognized something amazing. She adds about a year of research went into finding evidence as to how long the theater was in operation, from a variety of source including newspaper clippings.

The films and slides that Zahs has worked for decades to restore and exhibit are accompanied by music created by Red Cedar Chamber Music. The group’s cellist and incoming artistic director Carey Bostin has worked with Zahs over the years and told KCII News that the event was the culmination of all of the work Zahs has done to preserve the collection for 35 years.

Bostin added, Zahs doesn’t want it to be about him, but it is all because of him and his work. Bostin said he admires Zahs and wishes he could’ve had Zahs as a teacher.

Employees of the theater were dressed in period clothing for the event. The show was a celebration of Washington’s history – the people and places who made it, and the local historian who brought it back to life.

For the full story listen to Monday’s Washington Page and visit KCII Radio’s Facebook Page for photos from the event.

The State Theater in downtown Washington was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating cinema in the world. Photo courtesy of Sarah Grunewaldt.