Chautauqua 2011

The American Civil War: A House Divided

Watch 2011 Performances at Montgomery College
Read a brief interview with Jim Getty, who portrays Abraham Lincoln.
Read a guest blog posting by Civil War blogger Scott L. Mingus Sr. titled "Jefferson Davis' Views on Maryland"

As a border state, Maryland played a critical role in the Civil War, and beginning in 2011, the Maryland Humanities Council (MHC), regional historic sites, museums and other cultural organizations throughout the state will be observing the Civil War Sesquicentennial.

As part of this remembrance, MHC's 2011 Chautauqua living history series will feature three key figures of the Civil War: Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman and Jefferson Davis.

Maryland was truly a state divided, with slaves and free blacks living in the same community, families split politically and emotionally between the North and South and political and military leaders in both camps. The Sesquicentennial gives us an opportunity to reflect on this pivotal period in our state and nation's history and to consider what unites us and what divides us today.

Abraham Lincoln will be portrayed by Chautauqua veteran Jim Getty. Lincoln, our 16th president, led our country through its greatest internal crisis and is remembered as the savior of the American union and "The Great Emancipator."

Harriet Tubman, brought to life by Chautauqua and Speakers Bureau presenter Gwendolyn Briley-Strand, was born a slave in Dorchester County, Maryland. Known as "The Moses of Her People," she led scores of slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad and served as a union spy during the Civil War.

Jefferson Davis will be portrayed by another returning Chautauqua favorite, Doug Mishler. A fervent defender of Southern whites' "right" to own slaves and an advocate of slavery's expansion, Davis broke from the Union after deciding that Lincoln's election might lead to its being further restricted or even abolished. Davis believed that peaceful secession was legal under the U.S. Constitution. He served as president of the Confederacy throughout the war.

Our 17th summer Chautauqua will take place July 5–13 in six regions throughout the state: Baltimore County, Cecil County, Charles County, Garrett County, Montgomery County and Talbot County.

Join us for these free events and engage in spirited conversation with celebrated figures from the past.

2011 Chautauqua Schedule

July 5–7: College of Southern Maryland
              8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata 20646 (The program is outdoors; in case of severe weather, the program will be held in the FA Building Theatre.)
              6:45pm live music; 7:15pm performance and Q&A

     July 5:  Abraham Lincoln
     July 6:  Harriet Tubman
     July 7:  Jefferson Davis

July 5–7: Garrett College
              687 Mosser Road, McHenry (The program is outdoors; in case of severe weather, the program will be held in the College Auditorium)
              7pm live music; 7:30pm performance and Q&A

     July 5:  Jefferson Davis
     July 6:  Abraham Lincoln
     July 7:  Harriet Tubman

July 6–8: Montgomery College
              20200 Observation Drive, Germantown 20876 (Globe Hall in the High Technology Building)
              7pm live music; 7:30pm performance and Q&A

     July 6:  Jefferson Davis
     July 7:  Abraham Lincoln
     July 8:  Harriet Tubman

July 8–10: Community College of Baltimore County (Q Theatre)
               800 S. Rolling Road, Catonsville 21228
              7pm live music; 7:30pm performance and Q&A

     July 8: Jefferson Davis
     July 9:  Harriet Tubman
     July 10:  Abraham Lincoln

July 8–10: St. Mary Anne's Episcopal Church
               315 S. Main Street, North East 21901
               4pm live music; 4:30pm performance and Q&A

     July 8: Abraham Lincoln
     July 9:  Jefferson Davis
     July 10:  Harriet Tubman

EASTON LOCATIONS, PLEASE NOTE:  Bring your own lawn chairs or seating for these outdoor performances.  In the event of inclement weather, performances will be inside, at the Avalon Theatre. 

July 11: Thompson Park
             corner of Dover and N. Washington Streets, Easton
              7pm live music; 7:30pm performance and Q&A

     July 11:  Jefferson Davis

July 12: Londonderry Retirement Community
             700 Port Street, Easton
              7pm live music; 7:30pm performance and Q&A

     July 12:  Abraham Lincoln

July 13: Idlewild Park
            South Washington Street, Idlewild Avenue, & Aurora Street, Easton
              7pm live music; 7:30pm performance and Q&A

     July 13:  Harriet Tubman

2011 Chautauqua Sponsors

Chautauqua would not be possible without the generous sponsorship of the organizations and individuals listed below, nor donors to our annual fund. Thank you to them and to you for your continued support!

Chautauqua in Catonsville is sponsored by Community College of Baltimore County.

Chautauqua in Easton is sponsored by Avalon Foundation; Hope and Anthony Harrington; and the Talbot County Arts Council, with funds from Talbot County and the Towns of Easton and St. Michaels.

Chautauqua in Germantown is sponsored by Montgomery College.

Chautauqua in La Plata is sponsored by College of Southern Maryland.

Chautauqua in McHenry is sponsored by Garrett College, Garrett County Arts Council, and Garrett Lakes Arts Festival.

Chautauqua in North East is sponsored by Cecil County Arts Council, Cecil County Tourism, and Delmarva Power.

Media Sponsor:

Support Chautauqua and the Maryland Humanities Council with your tax-deductible gift today. For each site whose supporters donate $2,500 or more before July 31st, MHC will give $500 to that county's local historical society.