Chautauqua Begins with Social Activities Tonight

A number of related events have already taken place, but the Nebraska Chautauqua at Sidney begins in earnest tonight with opening ceremonies and introductions to the players who will be bringing stories of World War I to life.

WWI was chosen for this year’s Chautauqua, as the conflict happened 100 years ago. Chautauqua offers opportunities for audiences to come together to develop a fuller understanding of the lasting influences of the Great War. Among the impacts addressed as a part of Chautauqua are America’s changing role in international relations as a result of the war, the impact of the war on American race, gender, ethnicity, and class issues, and how technology shaped the war.

With origins in the late 19th century, Chautauqua combines oratory and lectures with literary readings and musical entertainment. The name itself comes from a resort community in New York State where in 1875, a summer program of lectures, sermons, and music attracted such enthusiastic audiences that within a few years similar programs sprang into existence for the public in other parts of the country. Today, Chautauqua upholds the tradition of offering entertainment, education, and community-based heritage. Attendees gather to enjoy scholars-in-residence presenting first-person portrayals of some of our most important historical figures along with a variety of activities for all ages.

Sidney was chosen as one of two Chautauqua sites this year. Last week, the event was presented in Wayne. The events are presented in conjunction with the Nebraska Historical Society and Humanities Nebraska.

Today’s events begin with a Chautauqua youth camp at the Sidney Public Library, where the younger generation can get their introduction to Chautauqua and key events. The camp runs from 1-5 p.m. today and Thursday. Pre-registration is required.

This evening at 5:30 p.m., an Ice Cream Social will be held at the Fort Sidney Museum at 6th and Jackson, followed at 6:30 by a Flag Ceremony and Meet the Chautauquans.

Events continue through Sunday, with a mix of music, recreations and workshops at various sites around Sidney.

The schedule for Thursday and Friday:

Thursday, June 14

10 a.m.​ “Women of WWI,” Karen Vuranch (Adult Workshop), Cheyenne County Community Center.

12:00 noon​ “Men of Bronze: Black Units in WWI,” Charles Pace (Adult Workshop), Cheyenne County Community Center.

1-5 p.m.​ Youth Chautauqua Camp, Sidney Public Library. (*advanced registration required)

1:30 p.m.​ “Picketing the President” Helen Lewis (Adult Workshop), Cheyenne County Community Center.

5:30 p.m.​ Food by Sidney Oktoberfest Committee, Commons Area, Sidney High School. $

6:30 p.m.​ Local Entertainment, Performing Arts Center, Sidney High School.

7 p.m.​ Paul Vickery as President Woodrow Wilson, Performing Arts Center, Sidney High School.

7:30 p.m.​ An evening with William Jennings Bryan (Ted Kachel), Performing Arts Center, Sidney High School.

Friday, June 15

10 a.m.​ “WWI Weapons,” Paul Vickery (Adult Workshop), Cheyenne County Community Center.

12:00 noon​ “Opposition to the Great War,” Ted Kachel (Adult Workshop), Cheyenne County Community Center.

1-7 p.m.​ Youth Chautauqua Camp, Performing Arts Center, Sidney High School. (*advanced registration required)

1:30 p.m.​ “Winning Hearts and Minds,” Charles Everett Pace (Adult Workshop), Cheyenne County Community Center

5:30 p.m.​ Food by Cheyenne County 4-H, Commons Area, Sidney High School. $

6 p.m.​ Youth Chautauqua presentations, Performing Arts Center, Sidney High School.

7:00 p.m.​ Local Entertainment, Performing Arts Center, Sidney High School.

7:15 p.m.​ Paul Vickery as President Woodrow Wilson, Performing Arts Center, Sidney High School.

7:30 p.m.​ An evening with Jane Addams (Helen Lewis), Performing Arts Center, Sidney High School.

For more information, go to humanitiesnebraska.org/programs/chautauqua.