In the late 1800’s, a historical movement was afoot across the country. This movement was the largest and most significant venture in education the world has ever seen. A series of programs for a two week period of time in music, lectures, study, and oratory was designed to appeal to all ages. This movement became known as the Chautauqua celebration.
Almost in the center of the park still stands the Chautauqua auditorium. This building was purchased from the Bloomington, IL Chautauqua Society in 1916, moved to its present location and erected.
The Chautauqua Auditorium is presently listed as a historic place by the State of Illinois and the United States Department of the Interior National Park Service.