Chautauqua speaking series restarting next week

“Chautauqua” was a movement that began in the late 1800s, focused on spreading culture, educating the public, and providing entertainment. The movement takes its name from Lake Chautauqua, in western New York, where it was started. Chautauquas were designed as public events to give platforms for public speaking, musicians, preachers, or just about anybody who wanted an audience.

In 2005, with the collaboration of the Forest Service and the then-new Nolan Center, Wrangell got its own Chautauqua speaking series. The series proved to be rather popular, according to Nolan Center Director Cyni Crary, and ran for many years. Past Chautauqua lectures have included topics such as search and rescue dogs, rock art, creatures of the muskeg, and much more. Two notable ones include a 2015 lecture by Bruce Eagle, involving live chickens, and a 2016 lecture by Carrie McCormack on her adventures in an RV.

The series was not put on last year due to various reasons, according to Corree Delabrue with the Forest Service. However, the speaking series kicks off once again this month. The public is invited to the Nolan Center on March 14, at 6 p.m. to hear a lecture by Angie Flickinger of the Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition.

“We’re really excited to bring back the series,” Crary said. “There’s quite a following, people really love it. It’s been a staple.”

After this first lecture on March 14, the series will run for five weeks with a new lecture every Tuesday. The series is a little shorter than previous years, Crary said, which usually began in January or February. This is largely due to the government furlough, not so long ago. However, Crary and Delabrue said they are excited to have the series up and running again.

“It’s an opportunity for people to get out and attend a speaking series, and we’re just really excited to get it going again,” Delabrue said.

The events are free to attend, and students are highly encouraged to come by. Crary said that the series is educational, fun, and a good way to build a sense of community spirit.