What is Chautauqua?
VFTE Chautauqua emphasizes the history of American culture through storytelling and scholarly presentations.
“We bring history
into focus not as something distant,
but as something alive and deeply relevant.”
Chautauqua is a historical tradition that began in the late 19th century as part of a national movement to promote lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and civic responsibility. Rooted in the idea that education should be accessible, engaging, and reflective of real life, Chautauquas were community gatherings where people came together to explore literature, history, music, science, and public affairs through lectures, performances, and open dialogue.
At its heart, Chautauqua is about the power of ideas shared in public spaces, where knowledge is not just passed down but brought to life through conversation, storytelling, and reflection.
Voices From the Earth (VFTE) builds on this rich legacy. Our humanities-based programs use performance, archival research, and interactive storytelling to bring history into focus, not as something distant, but as something alive and deeply relevant. Through these experiences, audiences are invited to engage with critical questions about identity, justice, memory, and social change.
Whether it is through character portrayals, oral histories, or community conversations, VFTE’s Chautauqua approach encourages participants to look closely at the past. The goal is not to admire it or condemn it blindly, but to wrestle with its meanings, uncover forgotten stories, and make space for new ones. In doing so, we hope to inspire more thoughtful citizens, more connected communities, and a more just future.
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