Last week, history, mystery, and local lore collided at the Historic Liberty Theater in Murphysboro. Community members and curious visitors gathered for the screening of Grand Tower: UFOs and Other High Strangeness, a captivating investigative documentary by Joseph Tury. The event, sponsored by the Murphysboro Tourism Council, wasn’t just about reliving local tales—it was about celebrating a unique slice of Midwestern folklore while supporting an iconic local venue and the communities and people of Jackson County.
In 1973, Jackson County’s, Grand Tower became the epicenter of bizarre activity. Reports of UFO sightings, cryptid encounters, and other paranormal phenomena turned the historic, and now quiet, river town into a hub of speculation and intrigue. Some believe an interdimensional portal could explain the area’s unusual activity, while others think the landscape itself holds secrets yet to be uncovered.
Eyewitness accounts, documented in the film, paint a vivid picture of the year when the extraordinary became ordinary in Grand Tower. UFO researcher Michael Huntington lent his expertise to the project, weaving together testimonies and theories that shed light on this mysterious chapter in Southern Illinois history.
The Liberty Theater provided the perfect backdrop for this night of high strangeness. With its historic charm, the theater amplified the film’s themes of timeless mystery and community connection. Doors opened at 6 PM, allowing attendees to browse the theater’s concessions and take their seats before the 7 PM screening.
The Liberty Theater, a cherished Jackson County landmark, has long served as a hub for art, culture, and community events. By hosting this screening, the theater reinforced its role as a guardian of local history and a venue where the community can come together to explore its roots—whether grounded in reality or cloaked in the supernatural.
Events like this remind us why local legends and lore hold such significance. Stories of UFOs and paranormal encounters may spark our imagination, but they also serve as a lens through which we view our collective identity. Grand Tower’s high strangeness has become part of the region’s cultural tapestry, uniting residents with a shared sense of wonder and curiosity.
This documentary screening also highlights the importance of preserving spaces like the Liberty Theater. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the venue represents a gathering place for storytelling, creativity, and connection—key ingredients for a thriving community.
Jackson County is rich with folklore, from tales of the Big Muddy Monster to haunted landmarks, and events like this one celebrate the uniqueness of our region. By exploring and celebrating the unexplained, we not only honor our past but also inspire new generations to engage and share local history in fresh, innovative ways.
If you missed this screening, don’t worry—there are more ways to view Grand Tower: UFOs and Other High Strangeness, including Apple TV+, Tubi, YouTube, and more.
