President Theodore Roosevelt called them the most American thing in America. He was talking about the chautauqua tent assemblies that originated in the 19th century and quickly grew across rural America, bringing entertainment and culture to entire communities.
Although the movement died out during the Great Depression in the 1930's, a small number of independent chautauquas remained and are thriving again while others are being resurrected.
Ohio Humanities started Ohio Chautauqua in 1999. The tour now travels to four towns in Ohio each summer, combining living history performances, music, education, and audience participation.
Ohio Chautauqua comes to Hamilton June 14-18. Joining us to talk about the history of chautauquas and to give us a preview of the event are Chuck Chalberg, who portrays Teddy Roosevelt and other historic figures at chautauquas across the country; Assistant Director of Alumni Groups at Miami University, Sarah Templeton Wilson; and Shaun Higgins with Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum in Hamilton.