For 10 years, the New Hampshire Humanities Council brought history to life under the Chautauqua tent at Strawbery Banke museum with scholars and costumed roleplayers. When the organization pulled the plug on the program this year, a decision based on overextended resources and a slight drop in funding, they suggested local organizations step up to fill the role. The Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Cemetery Committee is ready.

“Exciting and ambitious plans are in the initial stage for the return of Chautauqua to Portsmouth,” said Audrey Bierhans, chairwoman of the Cemetery Committee, in a press release. Bierhans is also founder of “Spirits 2004, 2005 and 2006: Bringing the Dead to Life,” a seasonal program that takes place in local burying grounds. Two or three nights a week throughout the summer, a group of people gathers around a costumed roleplayer or scholar to learn the stories of those who built, worked or passed through the area during its formative years.

The New Hampshire Humanities Council can help with funding. According to Deborah Watrous, executive director of the New Hampshire Humanities Council, the organization has restructured its Chautauqua programs to fund community-based living history presentations and offer grants to local groups to develop festivals.

Bierhans says she sees the current  program morphing into “Spirits Chautauqua 2007” and hopefully beyond.

“I am projecting what I like to consider ‘Chautauqua Everywhere’ with programs continuously through at least July and August, 2007, with costumed role players, lecturers, storytellers, Junior Chautauqua programs, and musicians throughout the city at Strawbery Banke Museum, the 126 seat auditorium in the new Portsmouth Library and our four ancient burial grounds,” she says.

Strawbery Banke Museum is already engaged in the program, offering this year the use of the Tyco Visitors Center in case of rain. Also promising initial support are Mary An Lister at the Portsmouth Library and Marge Hubbard at  the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, according to the press release.

The Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Cemetery Committee we will be holding a steering committee organizational meeting on Tuesday, Sept.19, at 6 p.m. at the Tyco Visitors Center, Strawbery Banke Museum. For more information call 603-436-5096 or write This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it