22nd annual Chautauqua

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment which granted women the right to vote, Delaware’s 22nd annual Chautauqua tent shows—“Women’s Work: Campaigning for Social Change”—will be presented during two successive weeks in September 2020.

The first week’s activities will take place from Noon to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 10 and 11, at the Zwaanendael Museum located at 102 Kings Highway, in Lewes, Del. 

Activities will be held under a large tent at both venues and admission is free and open to the public. NOTE: In keeping with Gov. Carney’s guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, proper social distancing and other hygienic practices must be followed during all Chautauqua activities. As such, visitors are asked to bring their own lawn chairs as no seating will be provided. In the event of poor weather, activities may be cancelled and will not be rescheduled. For additional information, call the Zwaanendael Museum at 302-645-1148.

“Women’s Work: Campaigning for Social Change” will demonstrate the passionate efforts of suffragists striving toward one goal—earning the right for women to vote and participate equally in the nation’s political, social and economic life. Through theatrical enactments by both individuals and groups, lectures and musical performances, Chautauqua guests will be immersed in the women’s suffrage movement and experience the impact that it had on Delaware and its people. Activities will be capped on Sept. 10 & 11 with evening performances by actor-historians from the American Historical Theatre portraying, respectively, the noted suffragists Lucretia Mott, Alice Paul and Carrie Chapman Catt.  A complete schedule of Chautauqua activities will be published in August.