The Balaban and Katz Historical Foundation's mission is to acquire, preserve and protect historical data and artifacts relating to the Balaban and Katz Theater Corporation. The foundation was created by Balaban and Katz family members and enthusists who have been interested in the company their whole lives. The first incarnation of the corporation appeared in 1916 in Chicago by A.J. Balaban, Barney Balaban, Sam Katz and Morris Katz. It held its first meeting   as a Delaware corporation on January 21st, 1925. The company was officially dissolved  as an Illinois corporation on July 31st, 1970.