What is “Chautauqua”?

Our use of the word goes back to the history of the Chautauqua Movement and the need for life-long learning opportunities to enrich and uplift the community. Scholars do extensive research of primary source documents, journals and diaries to reveal the wealth of our American history and bring that history to life in the form of first person narratives and historical portrayals, seminars, workshops and symposiums. VFTE pursues the opportunity for ongoing civil discourse about freedom, justice, and equality in America.

Voices From The Earth Chautauqua 

 … brings history and culture to life through creating humanities programs which invite lifelong learning, inquiry, and critical thinking. In this way, we strengthen and preserve the best of our Appalachian and
Affrilachian American community. VFTE emphasizes the diversity and history of American culture through storytelling and scholarly presentations. Scholars do extensive research of primary source documents, journals and diaries to reveal the wealth of our shared American history and bring that history to life in the form of first person narratives and historical portrayals, seminars, workshops and symposiums. VFTE pursues the opportunity for ongoing civil discourse about freedom, justice, and equality in America. Our current theme is the Journey of Freedom in America.

VFTE Chautauqua is a “traveling” theater/storytelling company under the direction of Ilene Evans. The historical portrayals create a framework for a dialogue. Chautauqua-style programs use historical portrayals, storytelling, and songs to recapture the chilling and inspiring exploits of some of the most famous men and women in America. Such unique presentations bring history to life by allowing the audience to step back in time and take part by interacting with the storytellers who are also renowned scholars on their character’s life and times. Join us in an ongoing inquiry into historical issues that continue to shape our lives today.

VFTE Chautauqua Programs Description

VFTE Chautauqua brings history and culture to life through creating humanities programs which invite lifelong learning, inquiry, and critical thinking. In this way we strengthen and preserve the best of our Appalachian and Affrilachian community.VFTE Chautauqua emphasizes the diversity and history of American culture through storytelling and scholarly presentations. Scholars do extensive research of primary source documents, journals and diaries to reveal the wealth of our American history and bring that history to life in the form of first person narratives and historical portrayals, seminars, workshops and symposiums. VFTE pursues the opportunity for ongoing civil discourse about freedom, justice, and equality in America. In this way we strengthen and preserve the best of our community.

VFTE Chautauqua scholars portray a figure from the past, telling their story in first person – stepping into the role of storyteller. Then they will then take time to answer questions of the audience as that character, using their knowledge of the person, their life and times as well as their circumstances. Then the scholar will step out of the role of the historical personage to answer questions that that person may not have been able to answer.

Learning Outcomes For VFTE Chautauqua Programs

• Introduce audience to race, class and gender diversity issues in Civil War Appalachia
• Introduce biographical story as a significant component of Affrilachian/Appalachian culture
• Demonstrate ways stigmatized individuals or groups address cultural bias, discrimination and stereotyping
• Provide opportunity to explore diversity and cultural differences through stories presented in first person narrative
• Introduce audience to impact of culture race, class and gender expectations and stereotypes