Our Mission
Greenville Chautauqua brings history to
life, through interactive theater, where compelling discussion stimulates critical thinking. We celebrate the diversity of
our culture through a variety of voices from the past. Because our history belongs to all of us, we are
committed to keeping our events free, fun and accessible to the entire community.
Our Vision
A brighter future through an enlightened
understanding of the past.
Our Values
- Education: We foster multi-generational, life-long learning. We promote teh art of
acive reading and development of critical thinking.
- Authenticity: We engage the highest level of scholarship
and underwrite original research.
- Diversity: We celebrate the impact that diversity has on our community and nation.
- Inclusion: We create a place, accessible
to all, where everyone can come together to interact with their heritage.
- Dialogue: We encourage
questioning and civil discussion of ideas.
- Collaboration: We initiate and cultivate collaboration
with other organizations.
- Fun: We like to laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained, and delighted.
– Dr. Seuss
Performed by eminent scholars and staffed by volunteers, our programs are free and
open to the public-- a forum for discussion of our past as we face our future. With events from February to June, multi-generational
audiences question and interact with historical characters. George Frein, PhD, a founding member of the National Chautauqua
Tour, brought Chautauqua back to Greenville in 1999. The next year, Buncombe County Chautauqua in cooperation with Greenville
Chautauqua, began presenting a festival in Asheville, NC. It has since become a popular tradition in both communities.
In 2009 Wofford College held its first Wofford College Chautauqua in Spartanburg, SC
ANNUAL EVENTS:
New Years
Eve: Benefit Gala
February: Winter Chautauqua
Feb - May: Monthly 3rd Tuesday Discussion Series
June: Week long Festival in Greenville & Spartanburg, SC & Asheville, NC