"Thank you to our scholars, sponsors and the entire Ashland community for making "The Fifties in Focus" a wonderful experience!
Chautauqua is a unique opportunity for communities to explore key time periods of history and culture that still affect our lives today.
"The Fifties in Focus" • Ashland • August 6 & 7, 2021
Remember the 1950s? It was a decade that is often looked at with a sense of nostalgia and romanticism. But the 50s was also a time of sweeping change that can now be revisited with a more objective eye. Television, hot rods and rock-and-roll changed the way we spent our our free time. However, it wasn’t all idylic.
The Cold War tensions continued to escalate with the Korean War and flare-ups around the world. Superpowers competed in an unprecedented space race. The U.S. experienced a baby boom that strained domestic resources. Meanwhile, women and minorities navigated an unfriendly labor market, and the Civil Rights movement began to solidify. McCarthyism compromised families, friendships and working relationships.
In 2021, Ashland, Nebraska was our host site for these socially distant in-person and online events. Thank you, Ashland!
The Chautauqua programs for Saturday evening, August were moved to the Ashland Public Library due to weather concerns.
PARKING:
There is limited parking adjacent to the tent site. There is some parking available in the downtown area northwest and west of the tent and some limited street parking. The Committee has also made arrangements for some overflow parking at the Ashland Ball Fields (follow signs on 14th St.) and attendees can use the nearby bike trail to walk to the tent (about 3 blocks). If the weather conditions allow, we will have some designated handicapped parking by the tent and a drop-off point off of Silver Street.
Would you like to know when activities are added and plans for Virtual Chautauqua or August 6 & 7, 2021 are finalized? We'll also send trivia games and other fun 1950s-themed DIYs to enjoy.
August 6 & 7, 2021 - Ashland
Print or view the full schedule (pdf).
- Family friendly
- Multiple opportunities to explore the 1950s
- Interact with experts, family members, neighbors, and friends
- Free for everyone!
Humanities Nebraska presented this new style of Chautauqua to give participants multiple opportunities to explore the social, economic, political, and international changes of the 1950s. There was a variety of activities and events for Nebraskans of all ages to enjoy, led by various experts and scholars.
What is Chautauqua?
Resources
- VIDEOS COMING SOON!
- “The Fight for Civil Rights”
Online discussion with Chautauqua Scholars Dr. Lenneal Henderson (Thurgood Marshall) and Becky Stone (Rosa Parks) - “Perceptions of President Eisenhower and Politics in the 1950s”
Jim Newton describes how perceptions have changed about President Eisenhower as a key figure in the 1950s. - DIY 1950s Film Festival
Enjoy these movies from the 1950s in the comfort of your own home! - 1950s Reading List
Start reading about the era now – we have a wide selection of titles to choose from. - DIY 1950s Feasts
Choose from our menus to create your own fun feast at home. - 1950s Fashion
Explore our gallery and plan your own outfit to wear to “The Fifties in Focus” Friday evening reception! - DIY 1950s Fitness
Develop your own fitness routine using popular ways to stay fit from the 1950s.
Trivia Quizzes
More Resources
2021 Printable Schedule
- 2021 Program (pdf)
- Virtual Chautauqua Audience Survey
- Chautauqua Archive
The 2021 Nebraska Chautauqua was sponsored in part by:
