September 5-6, 2025
On August 21, 1912, the first Chautauqua took place at Nichols Park. The big tent went up, music played, speeches and lectures took place on a wooden stage. For a whole week, hundreds of people came to see and experience the show while camping on the grounds. We are bringing back tradition. On September 5 & 6 2025 the big event returns to Nichols Park Pavilion. The theme this year is “The Spirit of Morgan County.”
Friday, September 5th:
- 6 pm Community Summer Band
- 7 pm Greg Olson – History of Our City, Jacksonville
Saturday, September 6th:
- 11 am Espirit De Corps Academy
- 12 pm Lunch
- 1 pm Illinois College Alumni Jazz
- 2 pm Mike Anderson – Dulcimer Guy
- 3 pm Reg Ankrom – “Jacksonville’s Little Giant”
- 4 pm The Award-Winning – Drum Line Insititution
- 5 pm Dinner – 1925 Centennial Slide Presentation
- 6 pm Jacksonville Showcase
- Karen Sibert – Jacksonville’s Local Grocery Stores
- Andy Mitchel – Jacksonville Poems
- McKenna Servis – Jacksonville Development Center: An Acknowledgement of those with Mental Illness using Dark Tourism & Public History
This is a free event that is open to everyone, with family-oriented entertainment for all ages. Fun for the whole family will be provided. As we take a glimpse into the history of the Jacksonville Chautauqua and our host, Nichols Park.