Chautauqua to visit Seward

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Seward and Nebraska City will host “World War I: Legacies of a Forgotten War” next June. Presented by Humanities Nebraska, the free, four-day Chautauqua festival of entertainment, historic presentations, exhibits, youth camps and more will be held in Seward June 15-18 and in Nebraska City June 21-24.

“Next year is the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entrance into World War I, so it’s a good time for Nebraskans to come together and develop a fuller understanding of how the Great War still affects the world today,” said Kristi Hayek Carley, Humanities Nebraska Chautauqua program manager. “Many people don’t realize how much of an impact World War I had, both globally and domestically.”

Historic scholars will appear as key World War I figures to discuss how the war led to changes in America’s role in international relations, its impact on race, gender and class issues and how technology shaped the war. These figures include President Woodrow Wilson, Nebraska politician William Jennings Bryan, humanitarian Jane Addams, author Edith Wharton and sociologist/activist W.E.B. Du Bois.

During the four-day event, educational workshops and activities will be held during the day, and a Chautauqua youth camp will encourage youth ages 10-14 to learn more about the local impact of the Great War on their community. The youth will portray local historic figures on the Chautauqua stage the evening of their final day at camp.

Audiences will gather each evening to enjoy local music or theatrical entertainment, followed by a presentation by one of the Chautauqua scholars, moderated by Woodrow Wilson. Following the 40-minute presentation as the historical figure, the scholars will answer audience questions first as their respective historical figures and then as themselves.

The original Chautauquas were a popular activity around 1880-1920. Seward last hosted a Chautauqua in 2000.

Chautauqua is made possible by the Nebraska Cultural Endowment and many other generous donors, state and local sponsors, and volunteers. “World War I: Legacies of a Forgotten War” will be brought to Seward by the Seward Arts Council and the Seward Foundation, along with many other contributors.

“This is a perfect project for our City of Seward and Nebraska 150th birthday year celebrations and is both educational and historical in nature but also very entertaining,” said Clark Kolterman of the Seward Chautauqua Committee. “The Chautauqua offers something for every age group and is a great family opportunity!”

“We are very grateful that the Seward Foundation has again taken the lead with the sponsorship of this wonderful event for Seward. They were the lead sponsor for both of the other Chautauquas in Seward and we enjoyed record crowds for the daily activities and programs,” added Phil Bangert, Chautauqua chairman. “It is great to have them here for our sesquicentennial celebration year and will be a highlight event for the yearlong celebration.”

Becky Baker of the Seward Memorial Library said pre-Chautauqua events will be planned to help prepare for the event.

“Now that it is confirmed, we are in the process of deciding how each of our groups and facilities can factor into this exciting venture,” she said.

The Nebraska National Guard Museum is on the site of the original Chautauqua meetings in Seward, and Jerry Meyer, museum director, said the musuem is excited to work with the event.

“We are in the process of planning and incorporating a variety of World War I exhibits that tie into the theme for the week,” Meyer said. “It will be a wonderful program for all of Seward and Southeast Nebraska and a tribute to the veterans of World War I.”

Individuals interested in helping organize the weeklong event from June 14’s Preview-Kick off through June 18, can contact Kolterman, Baker, Bangert or Meyer. Volunteers are welcome. Contact Clark Kolterman at clark.kolterman@sewardschools.org.