Young Chautauqua: Bringing History Alive

Susan Hall with Davis Sleigh as James Armistead Lafayette and Soren Aubert as Albert Einstein

In its 11th year; Two Rivers Chautauqua has excelled at bringing to the Grand Valley a very unique tradition.  Chautauqua is where historians give us the chance to interact with real characters from our past.  As part of this program, students from elementary school through high school have immersed themselves into the historical past and personalized history, all in front of live audiences at the annual Two Rivers Chautauqua held at Cross Orchards Historical Site.  This year’s event is September 16th and 17th.   

Leading the Young Chautauqua program is Susan Hall, a retired teacher, a former Board Member for Colorado Humanities and a co-founding of Two Rivers Chautauqua.  Coming with Susan to perform for us is Davis Sleigh presenting James Armistead Lafayette, a slave who fought for the United States in the American Revolution.  In years past, Davis has also presented the characters of Wyatt Earp and Bill Finger (the uncredited creator of Batman).  Also joining us is Soren Aubert who will be presenting Albert Einstein, the world famous physicist.  Soren has also presented Doc Holliday in previous years.  Both students are in 6th grades from East Middle School.