What is Chautauqua?

Chautauqua was a cultural, religious, and political education movement that began in the early 1870’s. Today the Chautauqua movement is experiencing a renaissance as people are discovering that lifelong learning and authentic cultural experiences are the keys to living a happy, fulfilling life.

Since 1875, the members and friends of Bay View have given a part of themselves to sustain the Bay View legacy as a Chautauqua. Bay View’s excellence in programming during its 8-week Assembly Program provides opportunities for visitors and residents of northern Michigan to truly enjoy four remarkable elements of the world we live in: the performing arts, the great outdoors, stimulating lectures for the mind, and spirituality for the soul.