Construction of The Menominee Opera House was funded "primarily through the sale of stock by a group of prominent lumber barons who desired to enhance the cultural life of the community".

After ownership of the building was turned over to the city, The Menominee Opera House served as a local community auditorium (a.k.a.

In addition to movies, the re-opened entertainment venue still managed to bring in a few live acts as well, including performances by big band leader Tiny Hill.

The most recent group was put together in 2004 under the name of The Menominee Opera House Committee, Inc. After two years of fundraising, this non-profit organization of local volunteers was given the deed to the building by the Vennema family corporation, which had owned it since 1979.

Their goal is summed up in the group's objective: "Restoring the historic Menominee Opera House to become a multifunctional performing arts center".