The organizers of the past week’s Chautauqua events in Lawrence did a wonderful job of bringing our local history to life.

The evening programs in the tent in South Park were made possible through the Kansas Humanities Council, but they were only part of the extensive program organized by the Lawrence Sesquicentennial Committee and the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In honor of the 150th birthday of the Kansas Territory, this year’s traveling tent show focused on the Bleeding Kansas period, in which Lawrence played such an important role. Many of the characters portrayed by the Chautauqua re-enactors had personal experience with Lawrence or the political issues associated with the turbulent period during which the nation was deciding whether Kansas would be a free or slave state. The informative and entertaining talks drew hundreds of spectators of all ages from a broad geographical area.

The tent show was the centerpiece of the Chautauqua event, but other activities also attracted hundreds of participants who wanted to learn more about Lawrence history. They could listen to additional lectures, hear live music from the period, tour historical cemeteries and many other options. There even were special “Kid-tauqua” events for young people.

Coordinating all of this activity was no small undertaking and the organizers pulled it off with a flourish. Their efforts were a great gift to the community and a wonderful way to celebrate Lawrence’s 150th birthday.

Congratulations and thanks to all those involved.