Near the Fourth of July each year, the Maryland Humanities Council brings the Chautauqua tent to six community colleges in Maryland. More than 4,000 people attend - Marylanders and tourists, children, retired people, public officials. At a Chautauqua, scholar/actors portray a historical character for a community audience, complete with costume, props, mannerisms and accents. After the presentation, the performer answers the audience's questions first in character, then as him- or herself.

Recent quotes:
What a fun, entertaining way to learn about history!
My children sat spellbound.
A real performance - not a reality show.