In 1921, nearly 70 circuit Chautauquas toured the country. The Chautauqua Movement died out in the 1930s, with the rise of radio and movies. Chautauqua's modern revival began in the 1970s. Inspired by Steve Allen's Meeting of Minds television show, Chautauqua organizers reintroduced this distinctively American entertainment form using historic characterizations as a way to interest contemporary audiences in characters and events of history. Today's Chautauquas are usually held outdoors under tents.
Families are welcome.
Following a concert of traditional or popular music, famous historical figures are portrayed by modern scholars, who appear in character and recount favorite stories from the characters' lives and writings.