My wife and I recently returned from a trip to Chautauqua, New York, home of the original Chautauqua movement. I quote from Wikipedia to succinctly explain the institution:
In the late 19th century, following the model of the Chautauqua Institution, the Chautauqua movement spread throughout the United States and was highly popular until the start of World War II. By the mid-1920s, when circuit Chautauquas were at their peak, they appeared in over 10,000 communities to audiences of more than 45 million. The movement combined several concepts prevalent in the post-civil war US, including:
- The Lyceum movement which attempted to raise the level of public education with lectures, readings, and entertainment with goals of lifelong learning and self-improvement.
- Camp meetings and revivals which used outdoor gatherings
- Sunday School for the purpose of religious education.
The ideals of the Chautauqua Institution spread throughout the United States through many Independent Chautauqua assemblies. Popping up were a series of traveling Chautauqua meetings, which incorporated many of the program’s components, including lectures, music, nondenominational religious studies, and a focus on current issues. Several Independent Chautauquas have survived into the 21st century
(Citation) Wikipedia
The weeklong experience is amazing due to its excellent speakers, musical programs, and educational and cultural experiences. We experienced, for example, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Morgan Freeman, and Brian McLaren among the speakers. We were moved by the challenges they gave to understand how the past has informed the present.
Lifelong learning is, I believe, a critical part of not only aging well, but seeing the need to be vital and interested throughout our entire life. I am thankful for the foresight of those who went before us, who established such a program which is now in its 151st year.
What a legacy!
Reflections of a Counselor 