Ninth Annual Chautauqua Tent Show 2007

Sunday, June 17th through Wednesday, June 20th, 2007


The Delaware Humanities Forum is proud to present the Ninth Annual Chautauqua Tent Show! Join us beginning on June 17th -20th for historic re-enactments under the big white tent at the Virden Center in Lewes, Delaware as we celebrate this year's theme, American Heroes and Icons. You won't want to miss special guest appearances by Jackie Robinson, Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln each night at 7pm. Also join us during the day at 12noon on the grounds of the Lewes Historical Society for presentations by regional author and storyteller, Ed Okonowicz, Dr. Clara Small, and Dan Pritchett. Sunday, June 17th we will open the field of the Virden Center to celebrate the greatest American icon: Baseball! Bring your bats, balls, bases, and gloves and enjoy a day on the field. You may even meet some surprise visitors! A Unique mixture of education and entertainment for everyone! Admission is free, all age groups are welcome. Disabled parking and accessibility.

All activities are open and free to the public. For additional information call the Delaware Humanities Forum at (800) 752-2060.

Click here for the Ninth Annual Chautauqua Tent Show 2007 PDF flier.
Click here for the Ninth Annual Chautauqua Tent Show 2007 PDF Schedule.
Click here for PDF information on the 2007 Chautauqua Baseball Game.

Chautauqua Presenters Schedule 2007
Virden Center  - University of Delaware Lewes Campus, 700 Pilottown Rd, Lewes, DE 19958. Click Here for directions to the Virden Center.

Sunday

2:00 p.m.
Virden Center, Under the Big Tent
The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show
Bill Riley and Joe Ziegler perform many of the vaudeville routines made
famous by Bud and Lou on stage, screen, radio and television, including the
classic baseball routine, Who's on First?

4:00 p.m.
Virden Center, Under the Big Tent
History of the Negro Baseball Leagues
:: Presented by: Ron Whittington ::
Through a first-person interpretation of Baseball Hall of Famer William 'Judy'Johnson, discover the History of the Negro Baseball League.

7:00 p.m.
Virden Center, Under the Big Tent
Meet Jackie Robinson!

Monday

12:00 noon
Lewes Historical Society, The Schoolhouse
American Patriotic Music from the Revolution to 9/11
:: Presented by: Ed Okonowicz ::
Learn the stories, see pictures of the composers and listen to the sounds of nearly two dozen well-known American
songs-from 'Yankee-Doodle Dandy' and 'The Star Spangled Banner' to 'God Bless America' and 'Tie a Yellow
Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree.' Learn about the different versions of the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' and
listen to patriotic songs inspired after 9/11. The program includes music, plus pictures of performers and
composers associated with America's patriotic songs.

7:00 p.m.
Virden Center, Under the Big Tent
Meet Amelia Earhart!

Tuesday

12:00 noon
Lewes Historical Society, The Schoolhouse
The Role of African American Women in America
:: Presented by: Clara Small ::
When we think of the historical role of African-American women, all too often we think of the stereotyped images
of the "mammy," "the promiscuous woman," or the "strong black woman." This presentation examines the
changing role of African-American women in American society from the colonial era to the present day.
Discussion will include African-American women who stepped out of the traditional role of nurturer and
homemaker, by highlighting individuals such as Phyllis Wheatley, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, and Rosa Parks.

7:00 p.m.
Virden Center, Under the Big Tent
Meet Eleanor Roosevelt!

Wednesday

12:00 noon
Lewes Historical Society, The Schoolhouse
With Malice Towards None: Abraham Lincoln
:: Presented by: Dan Pritchett ::
This illustrated lecture takes us through Lincoln's early life and character, including his remarkable physical
strength, love of books, aversions to hunting, gambling, and drinking alcohol, sense of compassion toward native
Americans, and his almost visceral disgust about slavery, event though he grew up and lived in a very racist
society and culture. The presentation also illustrates some of Lincoln's most magnetic words and how he used his
eloquent speaking manner to transform our country forever.

7:00 p.m.
Virden Center, Under the Big Tent
Meet Abraham Lincoln!

:: Complete downloadable event schedule available here. ::

Directions to The Virden Center

Approaching Lewes EASTBOUND via Route 9 out of Georgetown, DE or SOUTHBOUND via Route 1 out of Dover, DE (about 35 miles southbound):
At the intersection of Route 1 and Business Route 9, take Business Route 9 (Savannah Road) into Lewes. This is a left turn off Route 1.
Once in Lewes, continue on Savannah Road past the Zwaanendael Museum (on the right), two blocks to the first traffic light at the foot of the drawbridge over the canal. Do not cross the bridge, but turn left onto Front Street (which becomes Pilottown Road). Stay on this road 1.5 miles. Turn left into the College of Marine Studies entrance lane.
(See also: Alternate directions for Route 1 Southbound below)

From the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal:
Turn right onto Henlopen Avenue and go approximately 1/2 mile, taking the second left (by the Dairy Queen) onto Savannah Road. Go approximately 1/4 mile and cross over the drawbridge. At the foot of the bridge, take a right at the traffic light onto Front Street (which becomes Pilottown Road). Stay on this road 1.5 miles. Turn left into the College of Marine Studies entrance lane.

Approaching Lewes NORTHBOUND on Route 1:
Take Kings Highway into Lewes (a right turn off Route 1). Make a left turn at the stop sign off Freeman Highway, then a right onto Savannah Road. Continue to the traffic light at the foot of the drawbridge over the canal. Do not cross the bridge, but turn left onto Front Street (which becomes Pilottown Road). Stay on this road 1.5 miles. Turn left into the College of Marine Studies entrance lane.

Alternate directions from Route 1 SOUTHBOUND:
Make a left at sign just before Nassau Bridge. Go 1/2 mile, then make a left onto New Road (at the Antique Barn). Continue approximately 2 miles to the University of Delaware Campus entrance. Turn left and follow approximately 1/2 mile to the Virden Center on the right.