Join us for the next Chautauqua!

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.

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!

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.

Check back to find out where Chautauqua will be in 2025!

This festival will include family-friendly events, engaging workshops, and Chautauqua-style presentations that allow audience members to interact with historic figures. 

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

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?

August 2 & 3, 2024  •  Norfolk, Nebraska

Friday Evening:

Explore History through El Vaquero Cox Activity Center at Northeast Community College

Saturday:

Daytime: Unravel Some of America’s Unheard Stories at Norfolk Public Library

Evening: Meet Abigail Adams & Chief Big Elk Cox Activity Center at Northeast Community College

See the full schedule below! You can also download a printable scheedule (updated 07/12/24).

"Weaving a Nation" Chautauqua was provided in Norfolk
August 2 & 3, 2024 with the support of:

(as of July 10, 2024)

Sponsoring Abigail Adams 

 

Sponsoring El Vaquero

Sponsoring Chief Big Elk

Individuals

Leah and Doug Barrett

Stephanie and Mike Brogan

Sue and John Burns

David Chamberlain

Stan and Cindy Christensen

Robert and Helen Ann Cox

Cindy and John Dinkel

Karen Drevo

Michelle and Bob Dudley

Patti and Pat Gubbels

Lisa and Jerry Guenther

Casey and Wanda Knake

James and Connie Kube

Myra Mendoza

Jeffrey Mesteth

Bill and Mary Meyer

Earl and Marilyn Mitchell

Paul Muncie

Paula Pflueger

Jess Quiñero

Jeanne and John Reigle

Chuck and Beth Rowse

Kristi and Jim Scheer

Beth Shashikant

Lori and Doug Stratton

Peg Timmer-Kathol

Kent & Susan Warneke

Businesses/Organizations

Brogan Lammli, P.C., L.L.O.

Charles Sintek DDS

DAYCOS

Elkhorn Valley Bank and Trust

FNBO

Flood Communications NCN/WJAG/KEXL

Homestead National Historical Park

Insurance Associates, INC.

Jane and Doyle Busskohl Family Donor Advised Fund of Nebraska Community Foundation

Jewell & Collins Attorneys

Midwest Bank

Nebraska Community Foundation

Norfolk Area Visitors Bureau

Norfolk Audiology, P.C.

Norfolk Daily News

Norfolk Noon Kiwanis Club, Inc.

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