Clifford PA near Elk Mountain, Susquehanna County, Northeast, PA
Chautauqua 2009
The Clifford Township Historical Society Presents Chautauqua 2009
Civil War period Dance, Music and Living Historians
Friday, July 24, & Saturday, July 25, 2009
Under the Big Tent at the Clifford Township Volunteer Firemen's Picnic


The Top Hats and Lace Dancers
Friday, July 24, 2009    5-7pm
Civil War Period Music and Dance by The Top Hats and Lace Dancers with Tom Jolin

Tom Jolin comes to us from the Harrisburg area, compliments of the PA Humanities Council Commonwealth Speakers program. Tom presents a delightfully tranquil selection of civil war tunes performed on double harp, banjo and harmonica. A touch of humor added during Mr. Jolin's narratives completes this unique musical presentation. Sit back and relax while you learn from and enjoy the music of the mid 1800's.

Wrapped around Mr Jolin's performance will be the Top Hats and Lace Dancers from Moscow, PA. This talented and dedicated dance troupe will perform civil war period dances, in full regalia, for all ages to enjoy. Top Hats and Lace has performed throughout the Eastern PA area with great reviews. The Clifford Twp Historical Society is proud to bring this lively and enjoyable experience to the folks attending the Clifford Twp. Volunteer Firemen's Picnic.

Saturday, July 25, 2009    5-6pm
First Sgt Allen McCall portrayed by John Moran, Living Historian

John Moran is a living historian portraying First Sgt Allen McCall of the 56 Regiment of the Pennsylvania Infantry. His Civil War interpretive programs have been enjoyed by audiences of all ages throughout northeastern PA. Mr. Moran's use of replica artifacts intertwined with story telling about everyday camp life during the Civil War makes for a very engaging presentation. His musket, bone handled horse hair toothbrush, wooden comb, report card, coffee dipper and many other items coupled with well researched stories bring the long hours spent in camp alive! If you have an interest in the Civil War and specifically in the day to day life of the common soldier, you are sure to enjoy and learn from Sgt. Allen McCall.

Saturday, July 25, 2009    6-7pm
Mary Porter portrayed by JoAnn Bogdanovicz, Living Historian

Chautauqua 2009: Civil War Period Dance, Music and Living Historians JoAnn Bogdanovicz has a master degree in history and has done extensive research to develop her character, Mary Porter. Her character portrays a collective memory of the civilian experience after the battle of Gettysburg. Her insightful program details the trauma and challenges that affected the local citizens of Gettysburg in a truly moving presentation. Dealing with the influx of people looking for their loved ones, burying and reburying the dead, finding food and restoring order all fell on the local citizens of Gettysburg. If you enjoyed JoAnn as Mrs. Phillips in last year's Chautauqua cemetery theater "Beacon Fires", here is another chance to learn from and be entertained by this talented lady. Local thespian Sam Corey also starred in "Beacon Fires" last summer as local civil war hero, Owen Phillips. This year Sam will wear the shoes of Abraham Lincoln as he makes his historic speech at Gettysburg.
All events are open to the public. Under the Big Tent; Rain or Shine!
Parking $1.00/carload the Clifford Township Volunteer Fire Company.


Click here to download a Chautauqua 2009 brochure and map.
What's a Chautauqua?

Chautauqua; Seneca word: place where fish jump or are taken; place of clean water.

Chautauqua was an adult educational movement that brought the culture of the big city to rural and small town America. There were performances of music, dance and theater, as well as, speakers. It was popular during the 19th century after the Civil War though disappeared in the 20th century with the advent of motion pictures.

The Historical Society hopes to reverse this trend by renewing awareness of Chautauqua. The Clifford Township Chautauqua Weekend is a 21st century effort to recognize the cultural contributions of Pennsylvania's rural and small towns to American culture.

Food & Beverages

After the Chautauqua presentations, please enjoy something to eat at the Firemen's Picnic food stands - there's something for everyone - pizza, hot sandwiches, clams, hot dogs, cotton candy, home made desserts, and many more tasty choices!

More Area Events & Happenings

For a calendar of events & happenings, picnics, fairs, art festivals, auctions, church dinners, as well as goods and services available in the community and the surrounding towns, visit the Elk Mtn Area Directory.


PA Humanities Council
Funding

This project is funded by the PA Humanities Council, Adams Cable Service, Spring Hill Foundation, the Clifford Township Volunteer Fire Company, and the Clifford Township Historical Society.


Clifford Township Chautauqua Weekend 2008    Saturday, July 12 & Sunday, July 13
a weekend of cultural events, music, dance & theater revealing Clifford Township's History!
Click the images below to read about the Chautauqua 2008 event.

Chautauqua Weekend brochure detailed Clifford area map Clifford Chautauqua Weekend