Elizabethtown College Director of Prestigious Scholarship and Fellowships and Public Heritage Studies Jean-Paul Benowitz recently gave a lecture for the Pennsylvania Chautauqua as part of their Independence Day programming.
Benowitz’s lecture, “The American Presidency and the Chautauqua,” was given in nearby Mount Gretna, Pa. at the Hall of Philosophy and continued a nearly 30-year tradition of Benowitz speaking at the event.
“It is such an honor to be invited each year to the Pennsylvania Chautauqua to speak about American history, for the Fourth of July weekend, and engage the audience in meaningful conversation about the legacy of American democracy and how we can build on our nation’s history as informed and responsible citizens,” Benowitz said.
The lecture focused on U.S. presidential visits with the founding Chautauqua in New York, including how presidents have gauged their chances of winning and testing out policy initiatives by engaging with Chautauquans.
“When we appreciate history, we appreciate the sacrifices and hard work of those who came before us,” Benowitz said. “When we learn about people from the past, we can relate to them, and their stories inspire us to lead and serve and build on the foundation they set for us.”
About the Pennsylvania Chautauqua
A Chautauqua is a series of summer programs for families organized around four pillars: Arts, Education, Religion, and Recreation. The Pennsylvania Chautauqua has been running for more than 125 years and was founded as a summer resort. The mission of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua is “the advancement of literary, scientific, intellectual, physical and social welfare and the promotion of cultural and religious activity, recreation and entertainment.”
