2025 Chautauqua Lecture Series - Just Passing Through

Chautauqua Lecture Series – “’Just Passing Through’: Famous Faces in the Golden Isles”

As nationwide awareness of the attractions, communities, and natural beauty of Georgia’s coast increased in the early twentieth century, visitors flocked to the area—including some of the most well-known figures of their time. Some, like future president Dwight D. Eisenhower and flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker, came here for vacations. Others, like Zora Neale Hurston and B.B. King, visited Coastal Georgia for their careers. The expansion of tourism transformed the Golden Isles into both a destination and a crossroads. When these trailblazers visited, they brought the spotlight with them. 

The 2025 Chautauqua Lecture Series will view our region through the eyes of these four fascinating Americans, exploring what their temporary stays can tell us not only about their lives and accomplishments but about the place we call home. 

The programs in this year’s Chautauqua series will take place on Thursday evenings, September 4, 11, 18, and 25, at 6 p.m. at St. Simons Presbyterian Church. Each will be recorded and will be available for viewing after the program. The cost for the series is $50 for members and $95 for non-members, with individual program tickets available for $30 each. To register, please visit coastalgeorgiahistory.org.