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Executive Director Letter July 9, 2019

Among the many contributions of Maryland Humanities to the state is Chautauqua, an annual summer adult education program with its origins going back to 1874. Chautauqua is an Iroquois word with a few meanings— “a bag tied in the middle” or “two moccasins tied together,” and describes the shape of Chautauqua Lake, located in southwest New York. That lake was the setting for the first educational assembly of this type long ago and so provided the named to the movement.

In Maryland, the tradition dates back to the late 19th Century when Chautauquas took place at Mountain Lake Park in Garrett County and at Glen Echo Park in Montgomery County. The modern Chautauqua was launched in 1995 at Garrett College. Since then, this popular program has expanded to other parts of the state, educating and entertaining thousands of Marylanders every summer. According to their website, in their 25th season, the Chautauqua is diving into how water has shaped our history. They are celebrating those who have navigated ice, waves, and the depths below by bringing three historical adventurers to life on the Chautauqua stage: North Pole explorer, Matthew Henson; oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau, and pirate queen, Grace O’Malley. Performances will take places in eight counties around the state, including those in the Baltimore region. Start a new summer tradition with your family and become engaged with the Chautauqua stories.

In the Baltimore region, we are fortunate to have an abundance of cultural offerings throughout the year, with special programming in the summer months. One place that is always sure to please is Port Discovery Children’s Museum. And now, after their grand re-opening, there is even more wonder in their experiences. Port Discovery offers interactive and hands-on exhibits to inspire imagination and learning. It may be especially fun to visit if you remember the experience from your own youth and now want to see it through the eyes of your own children. Stop by soon to check out the new Port, Skyclimber, and so much more.

I hope you are enjoying your summer,

Jeannie

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