The Murphy story began on a warm evening in late July of 1918 when Charles Webb Murphy opened his newly built theatre in his hometown of Wilmington. It was a grand theatre for a small town and its history reflects the ebb and flow of small town America. The theatre acted as the heart of downtown in those early days playing host to vaudeville, lectures, minstrel shows, movies, high school graduations, band concerts, plays and even church services.

In 1929, the theatre was leased to Chakeres Theaters who were making a name for themselves providing audiences the latest in film. They refurbished the theatre, removed some of the seating, covered the marble floor with carpet and installed modern equipment to handle "talkies". Chakeres Theaters operated a successful movie house through the boom of the film industry until the advent of modern multiple screen theaters.

The theatre remains a true community center providing a venue for touring performers, local theater productions, school events, performing arts education, business meetings and weddings. The Murphy Theatre's mission is to continue to be a source of community pride, an example of perseverance, and an entertainment and cultural center for all.

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