So what is a Chautauqua? Here's a page from the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture which explains it.
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| Chautauqua Tent and Buggies, postage stamp art by John Falter |
You can come and listen to famous people who have lectured in the past at the Chautauqua Institution. People like Jane Goodall, David Kozak, Alan Simpson, and Jesse Jackson.
This year, our town's Chautauqua didn't meet under a big tent, like we've done in the past. Last year, the temperatures were over 100 degrees and everyone decided it would be better to meet in the new City Hall, which is actually the old high school. During the day, the local university and the museum (where I work) were they venues for the workshops. I always love attending the workshops!
All through the month of June, our five scholars traveled around the state, performing and lecturing about their characters. Here's our state's Chautauqua homepage.
Does your state put on a Chautauqua? You can search the internet and find out. Maybe even get your town involved!
The Library of Congress has historic photographs of Iowa's traveling Chautauqua in its collection. How great to capture history like that!
Tonight we hear from Bob Hope... our last performance. It's been a great week! Afterwards, the committee is having a "closing party" for the scholars. Don't know what next year's theme will be, but I'll make sure the Museum will be involved!
5 comments:
These always look like so much fun! I'm glad to see Iowa mentioned :) I've not heard of it in my area, but I'll definitely do some research!
That is interesting. I was wondering earlier how you were going to see Bob. And how great that they take their talent around the state.
This sounds like such a neat experience! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Looks like a lot of fun - thanks for sharing =)
I never heard of a chatauqua before--I wonder if Iowa has anything like it. It sounds like a wonderful tradition!
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