Click here to play the Ohio Chautauqua 2010 Video.

Ohio Chautauqua 2010: THE 1930S

The Ohio Humanities Council is pleased to announce plans for the 2010 tour of Ohio
Chautauqua. In Ohio Chautauqua, audiences encounter history in its most compelling
form— first-person historical portrayals.

An exciting mixture of education and entertainment, Ohio Chautauqua 2010 will
focus on THE 1930S. In these programs, scholar/presenters will explore the lives and
legacies of those who helped shape one of the most influential decades in our nation’s
history. Characters for Ohio Chautauqua 2010 are W.C. Fields, Margaret Mitchell,
Paul Robeson, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Orson Welles. By sharing some of their fascinating
experiences, these historic figures will help us better understand how the 1930s changed
America – and how the decade is reflected in our current world situation. Discussions
with these characters will also expand our exploration of current topics such as censorship,
race relations, politics, women’s issues, and pop culture.

THE 1930S will travel to four unique communities across the state. The summer
schedule begins July 6-10 in Hudson, a quaint New England-style town that promises
to be a model of community spirit. Perennial Chautauqua host Ashland will present the
programs from July 13-17. Gallipolis, a charming community that delights in celebrating
and sharing its history, will present Ohio Chautauqua on July 20-24. Union County
will pitch the tent in Marysville from July 27-31, as the final stop in this summer’s tour.

Ohio Chautauqua programs are fun for the entire family! Each evening, a trained
scholar will assume the costume and character of a historical figure, presenting an exciting
and engaging living history performance. Everyone meets under the old-fashioned red
& white striped Chautauqua tent to learn from and talk with famous characters from our
past. In addition to major living history presentations, each scholar will present daytime
workshops for children and adults in venues throughout the host community.

For additional details, please contact Fran at 800-293-9774 or frant@ohiohumanities.org for more information.

OHIO CHAUTAUQUA 2010: THE 1930S will reach out to four communities across the state. Each venue will host the traveling tent show and make it an event that is unique to the community. Please contact those listed below for site-specific information.

Hudson: July 6-10; call 330-653-1210
Ashland: July 13-17; call 419-281-4584 x1003
Gallipolis: July 20-24; call 800-765-6482
Marysville: July 27-31; call 800-642-0087

Don’t forget: OHIO CHAUTAUQUA activities
will take place RAIN OR SHINE.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE OHIO CHAUTAUQUA?

• OHIO CHAUTAUQUA is a five-day event that combines living history, music and entertainment, education, theater, and audience interaction in an exciting cultural event the entire community can enjoy.

• The theme is THE 1930S. This series will explore the legacies of those who helped shape our modern world. Characters for OHIO CHAUTAUQUA 2010 are comedy genius W.C. Fields, Gone With The Wind author Margaret Mitchell, singer/actor/activist Paul Robeson, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and entertainment giant Orson Welles.

• The Ohio Humanities Council, the premier facilitator of humanities programs across the state, will present this exciting series. Additional support comes from The Ohio State University Humanities Institute.

• Free OHIO CHAUTAUQUA companion readers, programs, maps, and activity schedules will be available in local libraries, businesses, newspapers, and bookstores prior to the chautauqua and at the events. Information is also available in OHC’s newsletter, Pathways.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING OHIO CHAUTAUQUA?

• Major presentations occur under the red & white striped tent and begin with local musical entertainment. Each evening, a different living history program is offered. During chautauqua presentations, a scholar becomes a figure from the past, giving a unique monologue that showcases the person’s importance in our culture. The audience then has the opportunity to ask questions of the character. The evening concludes after the scholar steps out of character to answer more audience questions. Audience members can meet and talk with the performers after the presentation.

• Concessions will be available, or bring your own picnic. Although there are 500 seats under the tent, some folks prefer to bring their own lawn chairs.

• In addition to the living history performances, other exciting activities include “behind-the-scenes” programs and workshops for adults and children, scholar presentations at local libraries and other organizations, and various publicity appearances.

IS OHIO CHAUTAUQUA ACCESSIBLE?

• OHIO CHAUTAUQUA sites and programs are accessible to everyone! Services for people with disabilities include designated parking, wheelchair seating areas, and a sound amplification system.

SEATING IS ON A FIRST COME-FIRST SERVE BASIS.  ALL OHIO CHAUTAUQUA PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!!