“Chautauqua” was a movement that began in the late 1800s, focused on spreading culture, educating the public, and providing entertainment. The movement takes its name from Lake Chautauqua, in western New York, where it was started. Chautauquas were designed as public events to give platforms for public speaking, musicians, preachers, or just about anybody who wanted an audience.

In 2005, with the collaboration of the Forest Service and the then-new Nolan Center, Wrangell got its own Chautauqua speaking series. The series proved to be rather popular, according to Nolan Center Director C...