Chautauqua Network
Links Chautauquas Across U.S.

The Chautauqua Institution in New York was the inspiration for the establishment of the Chautauqua in Waxahachie in 1900 (the Rev. J.C. Smith having visited the Lake Chautauqua Assembly in 1899 and subsequent years), as well as for the Waxahachie Chautauqua revival in 2000. Now, thanks to the Chautauqua Network, established in 1975, there is an organization that brings together Chautauquas around the country for mutual support and sharing of ideas and problems, with the Chautauqua Institution at its center. We have been part of the Chautauqua Network since 1999 and have attended three annual summer conferences, with plans to attend our fourth in 2003.

When the Chautauqua Institution was founded in 1874, the name “Chautauqua” was never copyrighted, nor were franchises created. Many groups across the county established Chautauquas, called independents, loosely modeled after the “mother” in New York. By the late 1890’s there were around 200 independents, with about 25 continuously operating up to the present day.

In 1975 Alfreda Irwin, historian of the Chautauqua Institution, saw a need to “reconnect” the surviving Chautauquas around the country with the “mother” and with each other. Thus, the Chautauqua Network was born. (Coincidentally, around the same time, Alfreda Irwin was in contact with Waxahachie Chautauqua leader Josephine Ruskin and offered great support for the Chautauqua Auditorium preservation.)

The mission statement of the Chautauqua Network (July 1999):
The Chautauqua Network is a group of organizations and individuals committed to the communication and implementation of the chautauqua concept of building community by supporting all persons in the development of their full potential intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically. The Chautauqua Network facilitates interaction and communication among its members to further their preservation, growth and development.

Chautauqua Network annual meetings are held either at the Chautauqua Institution or at various Chautauquas around the country. Here is the latest schedule:

• 2006 - Ocean Grove, NJ (July 27-30)
• 2007 - Chautauqua Institution, NY (July 26-29)
• 2008 - Monteagle, TN (July 17-20)
• 2009 - Ocean Park, ME (July 23-26)
• 2010 - Chautauqua Institution, NY (July 22-25)

Some Chautauqua representatives to the 4-day network meetings come from organizations that have a long and colorful Chautauqua history. Others come from newly revived or even newly formed Chautauquas. These meetings provide an opportunity for fellowship, learning about Chautauqua history, and developing ideas to take home. See Chautauqua Network.

The Chautauqua Preservation Society has been a member of the Chautauqua Network since 2000 and has sent representatives to the annual meeting since 1999.

by Kirk Hunter and
Maureen Moore
Chautauqua News, Spring 2003