Chautauqua Comes to Town

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

Greenville Chautauqua

Last week I went to a Chautauqua performance by Caroline McIntyre who portrayed Mary Draper Ingles. As usual, it was a stunning performance and I’m so glad I went. I remember reading the book Follow the River years ago and this really brought the story to life for me. Mary Draper Ingles was kidnapped by the Shawnee Indians in 1755 but managed to escape and travel over 600 miles by foot to return home.

Chautauqua (pronounced Shuh-Talk-wa) is an interactive theater. Performers portray famous characters and talk to the audience. After their talk, they answer questions in the characters own words.

Every year the Board of Directors plan a theme for the year and have a huge event in June. This year is the “American Imagination.” During June 18-23, there will be talks by Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, and Dr. Seuss. You can find out more by going to the Greenville Chautauqua web site.

What really impresses me is that these events are so educational and FREE! It is truly a family event and even brings community members together.

I am so thankful that there is this group of people that are willing to do this for others. It takes lots of planning and arranging, not to mention all of the research and practice by the performers. When I see these, I am always amazed at how a small group of people can have such a huge impact on so many people. After I leave, I always feel so inspired by them.

Even though the main event happens in June, there have been some scattered performances throughout the year so I encourage you to follow along. There are also discussion series where people can gather to talk about these characters.

Posted on the Successful Teaching Blog by loonyhiker (successfulteaching at gmail dot com).

Original Image from the Greenville Chautauqua web site.