Chautauqua are our living history festivals and school-based programs that have become time-honored local traditions, educating old and young alike. Begun in 1874, the original form of Chautauqua brought culture in the form of concerts, orations, classes, and uplifting entertainment to isolated communities across the United States. Chautauqua historically provided education in cultural and societal topics for these communities. Carried forward into modern times, Chautauqua now features humanities scholars who take to the stage and breathe life into the words of historical and literary figures through interpretive characterizations. Although the seed money we provide with NEH funds is frequently tripled by local fundraising, Chautauqua festivals and school-based Young Chautauqua are at risk in Colorado without your support. You can help bring this exciting and informative format to schools, libraries, and other community organizations throughout Colorado by donating to the $50K challenge grant from the Federation of State Humanities Councils with support from the Mellon Foundation. Your donation will be matched, doubling its reach and impact! https://l.ead.me/DonateCH #SaveCOHumanities #protectthehumanities #Chautauqua #LivingHistory #history (fb)

Funding cuts: Museum on Main Street 🌾🛤 Colorado Humanities partners with the Smithsonian Institution to bring its Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition series to small, rural, and remote communities in Colorado, most recently “Crossroads: Change in Rural America.” We recently worked with cultural organizations in 10 towns to tour the “Crossroads” exhibit from August 2023 through January 2025. The Museum on Mainstreet program is vital to Colorado's smaller communities because it boosts local economies, community development, civic engagement, and historic preservation by building the capacity of small-town institutions. Join our efforts to preserve and highlight the history of Colorado's beloved and charming small towns and help shape their future and sustainability by donating to the $50K challenge grant from the Federation of State Humanities Councils with support from the Mellon Foundation – your contribution will be matched! https://l.ead.me/DonateCH #SaveCOHumanities #protectthehumanities #MuseumonMainStreet #rural (fb)