This past weekend we went to the Chautauqua Festival which is an annual event. Chautauqua brings history to life through interactive theater and it is free! The character comes out and talks about what is going on in his life or anything related to his life. Then the audience is allowed to ask questions of that character. Last the audience is allowed to ask the actor about that character since the actor has done extensive research about that character. This year’s featured characters were Harry Truman, Robert Smalls, Clara Barton, and Patrick Henry.
Harry Truman arrived by car and his secret service men were with him. He talked about how he took office after FDR died and the atom bomb. He talked about his time in office and about his wife Bess. It was great to hear him answer questions from the audience.
We also went to hear Clara Barton speak. Her dress was absolutely beautiful but I was so hot there under the tent that it was hard for me to enjoy it. She also didn’t seem as well prepared as the first character we saw.
I think this is a great opportunity for students to learn about history. It is fun and makes history seem more real. The best part is that it is free! I also learned that there are only 10 Chautauqua groups throughout the US so if you have one near you, I would recommend that you check it out!
Original photo by Pat Hensley
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