The Victorian Chautauqua is July 10-11, 2021. It is a fun, family event that celebrates the rich history of Mountain Lake Park. The itinerary is filled with something for every age and interest.
History of the Victorian Chautauqua
In 1874, a Methodist resort was founded in Chautauqua, New York. That is where the term originated. The goal was to provide faith-based learning along with cultural exposure. Lectures and classes were offered to Victorian vacationers throughout the summer months. The natural setting led to the addition of outdoor recreation.
As the event grew in popularity, the second Chautauqua in the United States was founded as Mountain Lake Park in Garrett County. Its location along the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad made it ideal. A small group of ministers and businessmen started with 800 acres for the proposed resort. At its peak, it included an open-air theater, an assembly hall, clay tennis courts, and more than fifty summer cottages dating back to 1882. Vacationers flocked to the mountains to escape the summer heat. The location hosted many notable lecturers including, Mark Twain, William Jennings Bryan, and President Taft.
The 2021 Victorian Chautauqua
Taking place July 10th and 11th, the modern event will include many traditional Chautauqua events and activities. Between performances, there will be organized activities for kids. They include make ‘n’ take, face painting, and playtime with bubbles. Numerous artists will be on hand as well.
Victorian Chautauqua Schedule
Saturday, July 10
9:00AM-9:30AM
Opening Ceremonies | Welcome!
Chautauqua History, Invocation, Chautauqua Song
Martin Tent
9:30AM-10:30AM
Trekking the Pikes
Performed by: Rich Pawling
COLORFUL CHARACTERS DROVE CONESTOGA WAGONS WHEN ROADS WERE ROUGH AND SOMETIMES DEADLY
Martin Tent
9:30AM-10:30AM
Mark Twain
Portrayed by Richard Hill
ONE OF AMERICA’S GREATEST ORATORS IS REVIVED WITH HUMOR AND SENSIBILITY
Burlington Tent
10:45AM-11:45AM
B&O Railroad in Garrett County
Lecture by Neal Brooks
LEARN HOW THE RAILROAD WAS PIVOTAL TO GARRETT COUNTY’S EARLY PROSPERITY
Martin Tent
12:00AM-1:00PM
President Grover Cleveland
Portrayed by William Grant
FIND OUT WHY THE 22ND AND 24TH PRESIDENT WAS NO STRANGER TO GARRETT COUNTY
Martin Tent
12:00PM-1:00PM
Dan Baker
Jazz Guitarist
UNIQUE INSTRUMENTAL GUITAR ARRANGEMENTS OF SONGS RANGING FROM JOHN COLTRANE TO JOHN LENNON
Burlington Tent
1:15PM-2:15PM
Mark Twain
Portrayed by Richard Hill
ONE OF AMERICA’S GREATEST ORATORS IS REVIVED WITH HUMOR AND SENSIBILITY
Martin Tent
2:30PM-3:30PM
Community Hymn Sing
Led by: Sean & Debi Beachy
A CHAUTAUQUA TRADITION FROM 1882 LIVES ON AS ATTENDEES JOIN IN ON CLASSIC HYMNS
Burlington Tent
2:30PM-3:30PM
B&O Railroad in Garrett County
Lecture by: Neal Brooks
LEARN HOW THE RAILROAD WAS PIVOTAL TO GARRETT COUNTY’S EARLY PROSPERITY
Deaconess Tent
2:30PM-3:30PM
Trekking the Pikes
Performed by: Rich Pawling
COLORFUL CHARACTERS DROVE CONESTOGA WAGONS WHEN ROADS WERE ROUGH AND SOMETIMES DEADLY
Martin Tent
3:45PM-4:45PM
The Unsinkable Molly Brown
Portrayed by JoAnn Peterson
SHE SURVIVED THE SINKING TITANIC AND WAS A SYMBOL OF STRENGTH FOR ALL WOMEN
Burlington Tent
3:45PM-4:45PM
Dan Baker
Jazz Guitarist
5:30PM-6:30PM
Beard & Mustache Contest
Sunday, July 11
12:30PM-1:00PM
Welcome Back!
Mayor, Don Sincell
INTRODUCTIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Martin Tent
1:00PM-2:00PM
MLP Tennis Club
Lecture by Kathie Smith
THE OLDEST LASTING INSTITUTION IN THE TOWN COMES TO LIFE THROUGH ITS HISTORY AND PERSONAL STORIES.
Burlington Tent
1:00PM-2:00PM
Hammered Dulcimer & Banjo
Betty & Tom Mattingly
MOTHER & SON ENSEMBLE WILL PERFORM SOOTHING HAMMERED DULCIMER AND BANJO MUSIC
Historic Ticket Office
1:00PM-2:00PM
Marsh Mountain Consort
Recorders and Viola da Gamba
CLASSICAL RENAISSANCE WORKS ON RECORDERS FROM SOPRANO TO CONTRABASS AND VIOLAS DA GAMBA
Assembly Hall Auditorium
1:00PM-2:00PM
Suffragist, Alice Paul – Young & Old
Portrayed by Joanna Guy & Liz Cannon
THE LASTING IMPACT OF A LEGENDARY SUFFRAGIST IS DEPICTED BY MOTHER & DAUGHTER DUO
Martin Tent
2:15PM-3:15PM
Community Hymn Sing
Led by Sean & Debi Beachy
A CHAUTAUQUA TRADITION FROM 1882 LIVES ON AS ATTENDEES JOIN IN ON CLASSIC HYMNS
Burlington Tent
2:15PM-3:15PM
Local Civil War
Lecture by Steven French
LEARN HOW GEN. BENJAMIN F. KELLEY STYMIED LIGHTNING RAIDS AT UNION OUTPOST GUARDING THE RAILS
Deaconess Tent
2:15PM-3:15PM
Margaret Brent & The Indians
Performed by Mary Ann Jung
MEET THE FIRST FEMALE LAWYER, LANDOWNER, AND WOMAN TO DEMAND THE VOTE IN 17TH CENTURY AMERICA
Martin Tent
3:30PM-4:30PM
Unsinkable Molly Brown
Portrayed by JoAnn Peterson
SHE SURVIVED THE SINKING TITANIC AND WAS A SYMBOL OF STRENGTH FOR ALL WOMEN
Martin Tent
3:30PM-4:30PM
“Tay” In The Park
Presented by Mary Sincell McEwen
MOUNTAIN LAKE PARK RESIDENT AND ARTIST, TAY SINCELL WAS A FORCE DURING THE SUFFRAGIST MOVEMENT. HEAR ABOUT HER LEGACY AND DEVOTION TO HER COMMUNITY.
Burlington Tent
4:45PM-5:30PM
Local Civil War
Lecture by Steven French
LEARN HOW GEN. BENJAMIN F. KELLEY STYMIED LIGHTNING RAIDS AT UNION OUTPOST GUARDING THE RAILS
Burlington Tent
5:30PM-6:30PM
Buffalo Run
ENJOY HOME-GROWN MUSIC THAT BEAUTIFULLY DETAILS LIFE ON THE MOUNTAIN TOP
Martin Tent