2025 Chautauqua Lecture Series
Theme: “Just Passing Through” – Famous Faces in the Golden Isles
Discover how the Golden Isles attracted some of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. From future President Dwight D. Eisenhower to music legend B.B. King, these famous guests left their mark, intertwining their stories with the vibrant history of Georgia’s coast. This year’s Chautauqua Lecture Series dives into their visits, offering an eye-opening perspective on their lives and the impact they had on the Golden Isles.
Event Details
- Dates: Thursday evenings, September 4 – September 25
- Time: 6 p.m.
- Venue: St. Simons Presbyterian Church, 205 Kings Way, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Tickets:
- Full Series (4 Lectures):
- Members: $50
- Non-Members: $95
- Single Lecture:
- $30 per lecture
- Full Series (4 Lectures):
Each lecture will be recorded and available for later viewing.
Lecture Schedule and Highlights
September 4 – Dwight D. Eisenhower with Michel Paradis, Ph.D.
Explore Dwight D. Eisenhower’s famous 1946 vacation to Sea Island, where an oak tree planted in his honor still stands. Learn about the life of this World War II hero, U.S. President, and global statesman.
About the Speaker: Michel Paradis, Ph.D., is a human rights lawyer, historian, and author of The Light of Battle, specializing in national security law.
September 11 – B.B. King with Daniel de Visé
Relive the legendary B.B. King’s 1961 performance at Jekyll Island’s Dolphin Club Lounge, an iconic venue of the Chitlin Circuit. King’s visit highlighted a pivotal moment in music and civil rights history.
About the Speaker: Daniel de Visé, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, authored King of the Blues, earning critical acclaim for his biography of this music legend.
September 18 – Zora Neale Hurston with Jennifer L. Freeman Marshall, Ph.D.
Discover Zora Neale Hurston’s 1935 visit to St. Simons Island, where she documented African American music and folklore. Learn how her incredible contributions extend beyond literature into anthropology and cultural preservation.
About the Speaker: Dr. Marshall, an expert on Hurston’s life, is the author of Ain’t I An Anthropologist and an associate professor at Purdue University.
September 25 – Eddie Rickenbacker with John F. Ross
Dive into the remarkable life of Eddie Rickenbacker, America’s greatest WWI flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient. From race cars to aerial warfare, Rickenbacker’s legacy embodies 20th-century innovation.
About the Speaker: John F. Ross, historian and author of Enduring Courage, is a leading expert on aviation and automotive pioneers.
For more information, go to their website or call (912) 634-7090.
