Henry County Heritage Trust presents ‘Chautauqua: Bringing Culture to Mt. Pleasant’

On Aug. 19 at 2 p.m., Grace Swank-Davis will share the history of the Chautauqua movement, how it spread across the country and its impact on the citizens of Mt. Pleasant. Grace is Vice President of the Theatre Museum located on the grounds of Macmillan Park. Its full title is The Theatre Museum of Repertoire Americana. It is dedicated to the preservation of memorabilia and artifacts of early repertoire theatre. An extensive research library with original source materials is available for study. Videotaped interviews with actual actors are available. These professional and personal experience capture the “feel” of the era.

The Mt. Pleasant Theatre focuses on the traveling shows that brought a wide range of entertainment to the relatively isolated rural communities. The Chautauqua movement itself was an adult education and social movement in the United States. In addition to entertainment, it brought culture for the whole community. Preachers, speakers, and specialists of the day also had traveling tents or show wagons. President Theodore Roosevelt said “Chautauqua is the most American thing in America.”

Plan to attend this informative program at the Henry County Heritage Museum, 403 West Madison Street in Mt. Pleasant. Program is free and refreshments are provided. Call 319-385-4983. Follow up by visiting the Repertoire Museum during Old Threshers.