Venture into the Unknown – Save the Date!
Since 2006, a group of local volunteers have dedicated their time and energy to bringing history to life during the History Alive! Colorado West Chautauqua festival. Each year, the festival brings in Coloradans across the Mesa County area to enjoy living history portrayals by nationally acclaimed professional Chautauqua scholars. Each of these performances then serves as a stepping stone for greater discussions during daytime events and evening presentations. In 2025, we are excited to bring four national scholars to share more about the history of “the unknown” and what it represents.
The festival will take place September 12-13, 2025 in the evenings at Colorado Mesa University, and daytime events will be held at the Arts Center and Mesa County Public Libraries.
This year’s theme, “Venture into the Unknown,” will bring portrayals of notable historical figures who have made scientific breakthroughs that changed life as we knew it. Features for 2025 include Hedy Lamarr, Nikola Tesla, Charles Darwin, and Marie Curie.
Friday, September 12
Judith Kalaora as Hedy Lamarr
Doug Mishler as Nikola Tesla
Saturday, September 13
Brian “Fox” Ellis as Charles Darwin
Susan Marie Frontczak as Marie Curie
Two Rivers Chautauqua
Today, Chautauqua has been reinvented as a way to bring the humanities, especially history, back to life. Organizations across the country bring in professional scholar-actors (Chautauquans) who portray historical characters then answer questions in and out of character. These modern-day Chautauquas are usually sponsored by state humanities councils.
Special thanks to our sponsors
Lois and Edward Gardner
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