The Theatre Museum of Repertoire Americana, also known as the Theatre Museum, is home to the Caroline Schaffner Research Library. The Museum was established in 1973 on the grounds of Midwest Old Threshers as the realization of a dream shared by Caroline and Neil Schaffner, original owners of the Schaffner Players. For many years, they preserved materials from the tent show era of theatrical history, and the creation of the Theatre Museum made it possible for these unique artifacts from this era of theatrical history to be preserved and displayed.
Between the 1850s and the 1970s, nearly one thousand tent theatre companies toured throughout the United States. Today, the Museum preserves photographs, costumes, scripts, advertising materials, scenery, and correspondence connected to these companies and performers. The Caroline Schaffner Research Library Additionally houses files about opera houses and their history. These materials form both the Museum exhibits and the Caroline Schaffner Research Library and are available for study and research.
The purpose of the Museum and Library is to preserve and perpetuate the heritage, culture, and history of tent theatre for educational and historical study. The Museum also serves as a center for scholarly research and literary endeavors related to this important form of American entertainment.