Chautauqua Speaker Series

Manitou Springs Public Library continues its Centennial Anniversary Celebration with Chautauqua Speaker world-traveler and author ‘Isabella Bird,’ performing at Soda Springs Park, Saturday, July 31, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Isabella Bird was an English woman who rode alone by horseback in 1873 through the Colorado Rockies, including Manitou Springs and Ute Pass; this was an unusual trip for a woman at that time. She chronicled her journeys through letters written to her sister back in England, and these letters were later published as a book titled, “A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains.”

For over 25 years, Lynne Swanson has portrayed Isabella Bird, Will Cather, and a number of other women who contributed to the literary and cultural development of western America. She speaks of issues that mattered to the pioneers of this country – issues that continue to concern us today. She has toured with the Heartland Chautauqua in Illinois and Missouri, with the Wyoming Chautauqua and now represents the Wyoming and Colorado Humanities Councils as part of their speakers programs.

Those unfamiliar with Chautauqua Speakers should find the lecture format a fun and engaging way to visit the past and become involved in a “living history” experience. This performance is provided by funding from the Colorado Humanities and Manitou Springs Public Library.

For more information, visit the library's website at www.manitouspringslibrary.org or call 685-5206. All library programs are free and open to the public.