Chautauqua - Humanities Nebraska

JOIN US IN HASTINGS June 26 & 27, 2026

Free family fun with an educational thread!

In commemoration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, HN invites you to explore a selection of lesser-known stories from our country’s rich tapestry of backgrounds and perspectives. It’s a fun, interactive experience that will help people connect with history and each other.

Humanities Nebraska presents this new style of Chautauqua to give participants multiple opportunities to explore the social, economic, political, and international influence of historic events on today’s society. It includes a variety of activities and events for Nebraskans of all ages to enjoy, led by various experts and scholars.

Chautauqua is a unique opportunity for communities to explore key time moments of history and culture that still affect our lives today.

Family friendly
Multiple opportunities to explore topics from the past that affect us today
Interact with experts, family members, neighbors, and friends
Free for everyone!

The next Chautauqua will be in Hastings on June 26 & 27, 2026. Previously, "Weaving a Nation" was presented in Gering and Scottsbluff in 2025 and in Norfolk in 2024. Hastings will be the last opportunity to participate in this theme.

This festival will include family-friendly events, engaging workshops, and Chautauqua-style presentations that allow audience members to interact with historic figures. Download the schedule now! (pdf)

All events are free and open to the public. HN thanks the many donors who have made this possible.

"Weaving a Nation" is part of "By the People: Conversations Beyond 250."

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as a complement to the 2026 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

What is Chautauqua?

With origins in the late 19th century, Chautauqua combines oratory and lectures with literary readings and musical entertainment. In the past, these touring groups would entertain and inform people living on the plains about political and cultural happenings. 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. Humanities Nebraska has re-imagined Chautauqua to include contemporary experts offering insight regarding how historic events and achievements affect our lives today, along with scholars-in-residence presenting first-person portrayals of some of our most important historical figures. It’s family-friendly fun, history and activities for all ages.

Would you like to know when activities are added and plans are finalized?

Schedule subject to change.