News File Photo The Rogers Theater in Rogers City is seen in this undated news archive photo.

ROGERS CITY — On Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented the Presque Isle District Library, Mr. Neon Lighting, Karl W. and Mary Ann Heidemann, Rachel Goodstein, and Richard and Janet Vogelheim with the 2025 Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation.

The award celebrates outstanding historic preservation achievements that reflect a commitment to the preservation of Michigan’s unique character and the many archaeological sites and historic places that represent our rich past.

The award for Rogers City was one of only seven issued statewide.

The Rogers Theater opened in 1937, providing a new entertainment venue and a touch of Art Moderne design to Northeast Michigan.

In an effort to broaden the types of entertainment which could be offered, a theatrical stage was added beneath the movie screen in the early 2000s, and in 2016, the owners announced their plan to donate the theater to the Presque Isle District Library, where it would become another branch among the district’s five existing libraries, exclusively focused on arts, culture, and community programming.

The Rogers Theater is a blueprint that illustrates how thoughtful property owners can partner with existing community assets to grow opportunities that benefit everyone, the governor’s press release said.

Whitmer said those who worked on the preservation projects deserve the awards because of the impact their efforts have on the communities they served. She said the efforts of the recipients will also help improve local economies and make communities more attractive to live in or visit.

“These awardees are helping us build a stronger Michigan by preserving the places and stories that define who we are,” Whitmer said. “Their work honors our shared past while creating vibrant spaces where people want to live, work, and invest. Historic preservation is key to our ‘Make it in Michigan’ strategy of supporting jobs, growing local businesses, and fostering pride across our communities.”

Beech Hall, chairman of the Presque Isle District Library board, said a lot of hard work was done to have the theater included in the National Registry of Historic Places and to maintain the historic aspects of the facility.

“These recognitions are the result of the board’s support of several grant submissions and the hard work by the Library’s staff since the theater was acquired in 2015,” Hall said.

The theater, which shows movies, hosts public speakers, entertainment, and theatrical presentations, draws people from well outside Rogers City, Hall said. He said the theater is a place for people to gather, relax, learn, and be entertained.

“Almost all of the movies, stage performances, and other special programs are attended by residents of Alpena and Cheboygan counties as well as from Presque Isle County; as recently as last week’s concert, I sat next to a couple from Alpena,” he said. “People come all over to enjoy the theater.”