The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1927-03-24
KTZMILLER ONE OF 663
COMMUNITIES CHOSEN
To Derive Benefit From Educa-
tional Plan of Chatauqua For
The Coming Season

which, it was declared, twill reverse
the traditional method of education
and begin with what people want to
know rather than what others think
they should be taught" were an
nounced last night as the underlying
policy of the National Community
Foundation, which has been organized
for the purpose of promoting a
nationwide program of popular edu-
cation and culture for the town and
country communities.
The announcement was made by
DR.. S. Parks Cadman, General Samuel
McRoberts, Will Irwin, and Albert
Edward Wiggam, the New York COM
mittee, in making public the first
formal statement of policy adopted
by the trustees of the Foundation.
The statement of the board which
includes among its members Otto H.
Kahn, Mrs. .Medill Mccormick,
Charles F. jenkins and Paul M. Pear
son, declares that it is the Founda-
tons intent "to bring to popular edu-
cation, both for adults and children, a
new point of view" and that, in using
Chautauqua as an agency it will en-
deavor to change the educational
point of view of this institution as
well as to improve its program.
"The methods used" the trustees
declared, will not be merely to i'm
part information or to provide enter
tainment but to develop intellectual
curiosity and cultural appetite, and
to encourage and direct the impulse
for misrepresentation individual
and community self-expression."
The National Community Founda-
tons first project is to be worked out
in 663 communities in fourteen states
now served by the Swarthmore Chau-
tauqua Association, Of which Kitz-
miller is one, and calls for an endow-
ment of S5,O00,0OO. This program is
to be projected later through Ameri-
ca.
"In each Community" said Mr..
Irwin, Speaking for the New York
Committe, "the people will form a
local chapter of the Foundation. In
order to insure that they will have
voice in the Foundations policies
their delegates will elect the national
council which is to formulate the
years program. Such work is now
being done in Kitzmiller, with the
view of making the affair successful!
in that community.
"The actual Chautauqua program
Of three to seven days duration pro-
vides, once a year, festival atmos-
phere in the towns and small cities
which is best fitted to stimulate the
enthusiasm of the adult and the youth
in those matters which affect their
future wellbeing and prosperity. By
crystallizing this enthusiasm and in
terest in education and cultural sub
jects into group activities, study
groups, dramatic and musical organi-
cations, the Foundation plans step by
step to provide its program on a
year-round basis"
The statement Of the beard OF
trustees reveals the definite plans for
improving the actual Chautauqua
program. Lectures are to be given
by men who speak with authority on
subjects that Immediately concern the
individual and the community. Not
one lecture but series will be given
on one subject. This plan which has
been tested by such institutions as
the University of California results in
the formation of local groups desir-
Gus of further reading and study OF
the subject presented.
In explaining the musical ard dra'
matte division Of the program, Nh
Irwin said, Though the circuit Chau-
tauqua has made a definite pioneer
contribution to the musical and dra-
matte development of communities
appreciation and understanding Of
these cultural pursuits has grown
The Foundation plans to bring metro
politan, musical and dramatic artists
to encourage and assist local groups
in their study and work"
Basing it's year-round service or
the vitalizing effect of personal con.
tact the Foundation plans, according
to the statement of the trustees, tc
supplement the work done during the
Chautauqua program with an extern
sion, educational and cultural depart
ment. Under the supervision of ar
educational director and mis- staff Of
trained assistants, extension repre-
sentatives with the broadest educa-
tional background will follow up the
inspiration given and the aspirations
developed during Chautauqua week
By frequent visits, it was said, but
with no attempt to superimpose any
standardized program of study the
extension representative will assist
and stimulate local groups to continue
their inquiries and study in those sub
jects in which they have shown in
terest; and will work with those who