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Send to friendTwo Rivers Chautauqua
Who
Two Rivers Chautauqua got its start in 2006, thanks to the Museum of Western Colorado, Colorado Humanities, and local donors. It is a two-day event held each year on a Friday and Saturday in September.You'll probably notice that some of our Chautauquans portray very well-known American icons; others are not so well-known. We believe that part of the fun of Chautauqua is learning more about our country's history through historical figures we may not know so well, or at all. In 2006 the theme was "The Call of the West," with professionals portraying Kit Carson, Jessie Benton Fremont, Teddy Roosevelt, and Marie Curie. Daytime programs included a panel on the uranium boom and bust, a talk by a native Ute, cowboy poetry, a lecture on John Wesley Powell, and more.
The 2007 theme was "1776," and our guests were Benjamin Franklin, Phillis Wheatley, Thomas Jefferson, and Hector St. John de Crevecoeur. Again, panels, lectures and exhibits filled the day and the Chautauquans performed in the evening.
2008's theme was "World War II," and we brought in General George Patton, Eleanor Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Ernie Pyle. Our daytime events included a surprise visit from General Dwight D. Eisenhower as well. Click here to view Photos & Video.
Last year, 2009, our theme was "Larger than Life" with four cultural icons from the past. Irene Castle, P.T. Barnum, Coco Chanel and Babe Ruth entertained us with their stories and fabulous personalities.
To find out more about our Chautauquans, please click here.
What
Chautauqua takes its name from a movement that began near Lake Chautauqua, New York, in the 1800s. It began with Sunday school teachers gathering for a week of study, but it became a touring program through which local communities could enjoy traveling speakers, politicians, plays, and music. Many communities still have the Chautauqua parks where these outdoor events were held, usually under a big tent. We've been told that at its height in 1924, Chautauqua programs visited over 12,000 towns and entertained over 32,000,000 people nationwide. But new technologies--radio and TV--led to the demise of the old-fashioned Chautauqua.Why
Today, Chautauqua has been reinvented as a way to bring the humanities, especially history, back to life. Organizations across the country bring in professional scholar-actors (Chautauquans) as historical characters, bringing history to life for their audiences. Local talent provides a great variety of daytime programs. These modern-day Chautauquas are usually sponsored by state humanities councils and other non-profit entities.Where
Cross Orchards Historic Site,3073 F Road
Grand Junction, CO 81504
970.434.9814
When
Friday, September 16 & Saturday, September 17How Much
$7.50 per person$12 per couple
$15 per family