What is a Chautauqua?

The Chautauqua movement began at Lake Chautauqua, New York in 1874, initially offering training for Sunday School teachers and later expanding to provide education and uplift for family groups.

The idea spread and Chautauqua’s began to travel and entertain people in small towns and rural areas.

Did you know?

Morden hosted the programs of the Dominion Chautauqua in the early part of the 20th century.

Some of the programs were held in tents; others were held at the Victoria Theatre (located across the street from the Arlington Hotel.)

Morden Collegiate also mounted a Chautauqua in the late 1980’s.

Why the “Chautauqua Spirit” concept for Morden in 2008?

The Chautauqua Spirit name reflects the belief that artistic and cultural activities help to renew our community spirit. It also recalls the cultural heritage of Morden as a host of several previous Chautauqua’s.