Ways to Discovery Chautauqua Series
Rooted in the Chautauqua tradition, this lecture series delivers engaging and educational programming to our community. This year’s theme, Ways to Discovery, delves into the many paths through which we understand and navigate the world. From our evolving natural environment to expanding digital spaces, from local communities to global connections, this series explores how we come to know ourselves, others, and the world around us.
True to the Chautauqua tradition, following each program there will be live performances by local artists whose songwriting and storytelling document the culture and history of our region.
The series will be held at the Visitors Center Auditorium at New Salem State Historic Site in Petersburg, Illinois on the first Sundays in April, June, August, and October at 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. The venue is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can participate.
In keeping with our vision for this series to have a regional impact, we have engaged speakers and artists from Petersburg, Springfield and surrounding areas who will speak on topics and perform original music that is relevant to both the history and daily life of our region. Lectures will be followed by performances by Illinois-based musicians.
Events at a glance
April 6 – Celebrating Earth Month in Menard County
Jason DeBoer, Large River Scientist with the Illinois Natural History Survey, presenting The wonderful watery world of river ecology!
Chris Vallillo is a singer/songwriter and roots musician who makes the people and places of “unmetropolitan” America come to life in song.
Read more….
June 1 – Celebrating National Trails Day
Dr. Michael Wiant and Terri Treacy will shine a light on the hiking, biking, paddling, and driving trails in Menard County that enrich our understanding of our cultural history.
Ben Bedford, acclaimed Springfield singer-songwriter.
Details available in a future blog post.
August 3 – Documenting Our Region: Our Neighbors, Our Environment, and Our Universe
Three speakers: Dr. Jim Herkert will discuss the eBird survey he’s conducting at New Salem State Historic Site as well as how people can use eBird to help find and identify birds. A Petersburg Public Library board director, will discuss the library’s project digitizing all the back issues of the Petersburg Observer. Dr. Robert Lowenthal will explain how he photographs deep-space wonders through astrophotography.
The Studio on the Square in downtown Petersburg, will host a musical showcase featuring area youth.
Details available in a future blog post.
October 5 – Celebrating World Habitat Day
A representative from Pheasants Forever; Patty Morton, retired owner at Creative Designs; Cindy Andreasen, Master Gardener, and Alana McKean, Arboretum Curator at Starhill Forest Arboretum will discuss habitat creation at large, medium and backyard scales.
Wild Columbine, a Springfield-area quartet, plays an eclectic mix of early Americana, carrying audiences through the history of our national songbook as it evolved through the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Details available in a future blog post.