Chautauqua Movement

The Chautauqua Movement began in the late 19th century in the United States as a cultural and educational initiative aimed at providing adult education and enriching community life. It started with summer retreats near Lake Chautauqua, New York, where people gathered for lectures, performances, and discussions on various topics, including literature, science, and philosophy. The movement promoted lifelong learning and democratized knowledge, eventually spreading across the country with numerous local Chautauqua assemblies. It fostered a spirit of inquiry and community engagement, influencing later educational reforms and the rise of the adult education movement.