City of Gainesville celebrates America with theater performance

Press release from the City of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – As the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the City of Gainesville begins commemorating the milestone with a theatrical presentation of Six Triple Eight in January, produced in partnership with Star Center Theatre.

Showtimes:

• 7 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 3
• 2:30 p.m. on Sun., Jan. 4
• 7 p.m. on Mon., Jan. 5

Where:

• The historic downtown Gainesville Old Post Office, 25 SE 2nd Place

Six Triple Eight recounts the true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit that served in Europe during World War II. Tasked with clearing a backlog of 17 million undelivered letters, the battalion restored hope and connection for American troops abroad. Guided by their motto, “No Mail, Low Morale,” these women completed their mission in half the expected time despite wartime conditions, segregation, and limited resources.

The performances will be staged at the historic Gainesville Old Post Office downtown, which currently houses a performing arts theater. Completed in 1911, the Old Post Office served for decades as a federal building, housing the U.S. Post Office, federal courthouse, and land office. Its history as a mail hub reflects the story of the 6888th battalion.

For ticket information, contact Star Center Theatre at www.starcentertheatre.org/home. Complimentary tickets are available for veteran organizations at caevents@GainesvilleFL.gov.