Documenting Ansonia Opera House

In September 2023, I documented the Ansonia Opera House, a historic theater located at 100 Main Street in Ansonia, Connecticut. Built in 1870 and designed by architect Robert W. Hill, the opera house served for decades as a cultural hub in the Naugatuck Valley—hosting performances, dances, graduations, and civic events.

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The theater was closed in 1971 due to fire code concerns, and while the street-level storefronts remained in use, the grand upper floors sat dormant for over 50 years. In recent years, renewed efforts by the city and state preservation programs have sparked plans for restoration and revitalization.