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Nevada Humanities Chautauqua
Imagine you're an American living in New York in the late 1890s. Where would you expect to gather together with your fellow citizens to listen to orations by Booker T. Washington, Carrie Nation, Russell Conwell, William Jennings Bryan, and Theodore Roosevelt? Capitol Hill in D.C.? The City University of New York? The New York Public Library? Would you have ever guessed the campground at Lake Chautauqua, New York?The Chautauqua movement began in the late 19th century as a means of bringing education to the general public, through music, culture, lectures, and dialogue. Audience members would not only enjoy orators speak about current events and politics, but would also hear humorous routines and sentimental recitations. There were performances of writings from Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, along with renditions of spirituals and music from Broadway plays.
The popularity of Chautauqua led to the formation of touring Chautauqua circuits in the early 20th century. These circuits were so successful that during their prime, in the 1920s, they served close to 45 million people. As Teddy Roosevelt famously stated, Chautauqua was "the most American thing in America."
Today, Chautauqua in Nevada is synonymous with Nevada Humanities. Started in 1992 as a four-day summer cultural event held in an open tent in a park, Chautauqua in Nevada became the largest event of its kind in the nation. During the event, scholars portray historic figures who address contemporary audiences and this modern interpretation of the original intent is an important part of Chautauqua's appeal- it permits dialogue between the audience and the historical characters.
The Chautauqua format is simple. A scholar in the guise of a historical figure describes important episodes in his or her life and thought. After the monologue, the audience and performer engage in a lively give and take. Finally, the scholar emerges from character to respond to questions, which could not be answered in character.
In addition to the annual Reno event, Nevada Humanities supports Chautauqua in other communities through grants and its Humanities on the Road speakers bureau.