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Florida's Historic Chautauqua

The original Florida Chautauqua Assembly was spearheaded by leaders of the Chautauqua Assembly of Chautauqua, New York who wanted to expand their multi-week program in New York to include a winter program in a warmer climate.  They opened the Florida Chautauqua Winter Assembly on February 10, 1885 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.  The assembly thrived until 1920 when the Florida Chautauqua, ended its long and successful run. 

In 1993, an organization was formed for the sole purpose of reviving, promoting, and sustaining the original Florida Chautauqua Assembly.  In 1996, after a hiatus of more than 75 years, organizers officially brought back the Assembly.  Much like the original Assembly, the program includes history, health, art, and current events along with entertainment from performers across the country and throughout the world.

Florida Chautauqua Center, Inc.
1184 Circle Drive
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

Phone: 850.892.7613

Visit Website
Click here for directions

Larry Bleiberg, co-author of The 100 Best Affordable Vacations, a guide published by National Geographic that can make your next trip memorable, claims Chautauquas are “like a theme park for the mind.” 

Explore the Trail.  
Improve Your Mind.
Experience Chautauqua.

The Chautauqua communities below are members of the Chautauqua Network.