Back to 1900's at Rockford's America Chautauqua

Imagine a world without radio, television, films, computers or, perish the thought, the internet..

How would you get information about any events, famous people or entertainment? Back in 1900 the answer was a live Chautauqua (Sha– taw– kwa) event that came to your town but once a year...

The 1900 America Chautauqua in Illinois offers two days of authentic entertainment and learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.  The 2010 Chautauqua programme, being held on June 19-20 this year, will explore the events, popular entertainment, culture and famous people of the year 1900 in the 26-building Victorian era living history village.

Visitors are invited to participate in the time-honoured tradition and experience the stories that made history. Visitors can meet famous Americans such as Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, Mark Twain and others as well as enjoying demonstrations of sharp shooting and trick riding at Buffalo Bill's Wild.  There will also be live period music and theatre presentations.

Rockford’s Midway Village Museum is a 137-acre campus that consists of a Victorian village with 26 historical buildings filled with artefacts of the era as well as several beautiful 19th century gardens that depict life in northern Illinois from 1890 to 1910. Interpreters in authentic period dress are available for guided tours. 

www.gorockford.co.uk or call 08456 020 574