Chautauqua as part of the ongoing series, “Bringing History Alive”
will again bring to Durango two actors/presenters
Durango, CO – Chautauqua as part of the ongoing series, “Bringing History Alive” will again bring to Durango two actors/presenters who will portray different historic people known for their courage and leadership at pivotal decision points in American history.
On Tuesday, September 20 at the Durango Arts Center 7 p.m. William “Bill” Worley, history professor and seasoned actor, will portray James Madison the fourth President of the United States “Straight from the Founder’s Mouth: The Constitution and Bill of Rights”. Known as “Father of the U.S. Constitution”, Madison served as an influential political theorist and interpreter shaping the key issues of the U.S. Constitution as an author of the “The Federalist Papers. As Secretary of State under President Thomas Jefferson, he oversaw the acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase and later as President, led the U.S. in the War of 1812 against the British on American soil.
On Wednesday, September 21 at the Durango Arts Center 7.p.m. scholar/actor Rebecca “Becky” Stone will present, “A Great American Journey: Harriet Tubman.” Tubman, born a slave, became an important “conductor” on the Underground Railroad leading more than 300 slaves out of bondage in the South. Some, but by no means all, of Tubman’s accomplishments, include her work as a nurse, an armed scout and spy for the United States Army during the Civil War. Tubman will soon make her appearance in the coming months on the U.S. twenty dollar bill.
Programs are free to the public (donations are gratefully accepted). Doors open at 6:30, performance at 7:00 p.m.
“Chautauqua” takes its name from the 18th and 19th century tent gatherings that brought together citizens to engage in thoughtful discourse on a variety of topics. Colorado Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is the only Colorado organization exclusively dedicated to supporting humanities education for adults and children statewide. Colorado Humanities helps support Durango Chautauqua programs that bring history to life with monologue and thought-provoking dialogues with audiences. In addition to Colorado Humanities, sponsorship is provided by the Durango Herald, and the Durango Arts Center.
