Chautauquas

Abstract The Chautauqua movement grew out of the American Lyceum and had its beginnings in 1874 at Chautauqua Lake, New York. In the late 1800s, this movement to provide entertainment and education to the American public was extended by circuit Chautauquas which expanded its influence from coast to coast. The Swarthmore Chautauqua was the youngest of the circuits and was founded in 1912 by Paul M. Pearson of Swarthmore College. This small collection of Chautauqua memorabilia contains programs, news...

Abstract Paul M. Pearson (1871-1938) was a noted Quaker educator, editor, and speaker, a professor of Public Speaking at Swarthmore College, the first civilian governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, an assistant director of the U.S. Housing Authority, and a leading founder and executive in the Chautauqua movement. The collection contains biographical and genealogical materials, personal correspondence (1894-1938), writings (published and manuscript), extensive material on the Swarthmore Chautauqua as...