Big River Chautauqua Returns to Bonne Terre with Historic Performances July 23-25

Bonne Terre, Mo. (KFMO) - The annual Big River Chautauqua returns to Bonne Terre Thursday, July 23, through Saturday, July 25, offering three evenings of history, entertainment and education for area residents.

Committee member Donna Hickman says the Chautauqua tradition has deep roots, tracing its beginnings to Chautauqua, New York, in the late 1800s and early 1900s as a movement centered on education, culture and lifelong learning.

Hickman says the tradition eventually expanded beyond New York, and in the 1990s, the Missouri Humanities Council sought communities across the state to host Chautauqua programs.

This year's Big River Chautauqua will feature nationally recognized scholars portraying three iconic figures from American history. Abigail Adams will be featured Thursday evening, Thomas Jefferson on Friday and Benjamin Franklin on Saturday.

Each evening begins with food service at 4:30 p.m. at the Bonne Terre Nutrition Center. The Chautauqua Singers will perform at 6 p.m., followed by the featured historical presentation at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Bonne Terre City Hall.

Organizers invite the public to attend one or all three evenings to experience history brought to life through first-person portrayals and interactive presentations.