As President Theodore Roosevelt said, Chautauqua is "the most American thing in America." Why? Because it championed the idea of liberal education for adults, regardless of background, and offered the opportunity to dedicate leisure time toward self-improvement, discovery, and engagement. Dating back to the 19th century, the Chautauqua movement spread across the country each summer, bringing the talents and ideas of speakers, performers, and musicians to communities that might otherwise remain isolated from changing ideas and provocative visitors. Chautauqua's original principles remain relevant today, particularly in our prison community. Drawing from Minnesota's vibrant community of professors, lecturers, writers, and librarians, the MCF-Shakopee Library hosted the first Chautauqua in the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Hear how the event came to be, how it unfolded, who took part, and what's in store for the future.
