2024 History Alive! Colorado West Chautauqua
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 2024, we are excited to bring four national scholars to share more about the history of “Social Justice” and what it represents.
The festival will take place September 13-14, 2024 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, “Social Justice,” will bring portrayals of notable Americans who have fought for human rights, equality, and the improvement of the lives of those around them. Features for 2024 includes Lucy Stone, Frederick Douglass, Francis Perkins, and Cesar Chavez.
Friday, September 13
- 9:30 A.M. Lucy Stone, “Lucy Stone and the Prophetical Protest” – The Art Center
- 10:00 A.M. Frederick Douglass, “With Liberty and Justice for All” – The Art Center
- 1:00 P.M. Francis Perkins, “A Woman of ‘Firsts’: Frances Perkins’ Belief in Social Justice” – Mesa County Public Library
- 2:30 P.M. Cesar Chavez, The Stories of Cesar Chavez – Mesa County Public Library
LOVE RECITAL HALL, MOSS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
- 6:30 P.M. Introductions of Chautauqua and Young Chautauquan presentations
- 7:00 Judith Kalaora as Lucy Stone
- 8:00 Nathan Richardson as Frederick Douglass
Saturday, September 14
- 9:30 A.M. Coffee Social – Foyer, Love Recital Hall, Colorado Mesa University
- 10:00 A.M. Panel Discussion, “Seeking Justice” with Lucy Stone, Frederick Douglass, Francis Perkins, and Cesar Chavez – Love Recital Hall, Colorado Mesa University
- 12:15 P.M. VIP Lunch for Invitees (by invitation only) – Dominguez Terrace, Colorado Mesa University
LOVE RECITAL HALL, MOSS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
- 6:30 P.M. Introductions of Chautauqua and Young Chautauquan presentations
- 7:00 P.M. Jarice Hanson as Francis Perkins
- 8:00 P.M. Fred Blanco as Cesar Chavez
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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