Watch Chautauqua: An American Narrative

Chautauqua: An American Narrative is a documentary film directed by Roger Sherman. The film explores the life and legacy of the Chautauqua Institution, a cultural and educational center founded in 1874, in western New York. The film takes its audience on a journey from the earliest days of the Chautauqua Institution to the present day. Through interviews with Chautauqua scholars, historians, and current visitors, this documentary offers a unique insider view of the institution that has been integral in shaping American culture.

The film explores the founding of the Chautauqua Institution as a summer retreat for Sunday school teachers. It also sheds light on the institution's role in providing a platform for social, political, and cultural debates of the late 19th and early 20th century. The Chautauqua Institution was a center for intellectual enlightenment in American society where the likes of Teddy Roosevelt and Susan B. Anthony gave speeches.

The documentary showcases the coexistence of different belief systems, cultures, and races that were represented in the Chautauqua Institution. The film offers audience a rare view of what life was like at the institution during a critical period in American history when social, economic, and political schisms threatened national unity.

The film delves deep into the historical context of the Chautauqua Institution's growth and evolution. It also seeks to connect the Chautauqua Institution's mission to the present-day, highlighting the institution's important role in shaping American culture and education.

One of the most striking moments of the documentary is when it captures the sense of community that has been cultivated at the Chautauqua Institution over the years. Interviews with current staff and visitors reveal the deep sense of belonging and gratitude that people feel towards the institution, not only as a source of knowledge but also as a community of people who share similar values and interests.

Overall, Chautauqua: An American Narrative is a well-made and fascinating documentary about a remarkable American institution. The film captures the essence of the Chautauqua Institution and its place in American cultural history. The documentary is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of American education and culture, as well as for those who want a glimpse into the past and present of one of America's most significant cultural institutions.