Beatrice Chautauqua 2012

The Nation's Signature Event commemorating the Homestead Act's 150th Anniversary opened with the presentation of the colors by the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard of Fort Riley, Kansas. Chautauqua vignettes were presented through out the day.

The Chautauqua tent was raised on the grounds of Homestead National Monument Heritage Center.

The Homestead Dulcimers club entertained attendees before

Mark Twain introduced General Grenville Dodge.

 

Major-General  Grenville Dodge

Mark Twain opening night. He told the crowd he owns 17 white suits.

George Washington Carver took the stage the second night.

Threatening weather moved the tent to the Beatrice High School two nights, Wednesday and Friday.

Standing Bear and Mark Twain on the stage of the stand-in tent at Beatrice High School.


                                                 



The Red Eagle Dancers from the Lincoln, NE Indian Center, Inc. greeted and danced with the audience before Standing Bear shared his story.

Americorps National Civilian Community Corps volunteers kept the sound system running all five nights.

Laura Ingalls Wilder and Mark Twain just before her evening performance. The Southeast Community College's After the Storm entertained before Mrs. Wilder took the stage.




Willa Cather declined to be photographed but she did enjoy Mrs. Wilder's story as Betty Jean Steinshouer. The Palmer-Epard cabin can be seen in the background.


The Young Chautauquans, led by Ann Birney and Joyce Thierer of Ride into History, took the stage Friday night.


The audience gave Mark Twain a Chautauqua thank you at program end on Friday waving white fans in unison. The fans emulated the the original practice of waving white hankies whenever a Chautauquan pleased (or displeased) the audience. 

A big thank you to the many sponsors that made The Beatrice Chautauqua possible!