Under the Big Tent (Copy)

Under the Big Tent

The first Chautauqua was well attended with nearly 200 people seated under the big tent.

President Lincoln - Master of Ceremony (Copy)

President Lincoln - Master of Ceremony

Troy Straham of Olathe, portrays President Lincoln and is the MC for the 2017 Chautauqua.

Lulu Craig (Copy)

Lulu Craig

Jerika Hope of Palco reads from her journal as she portrays first historian, Lulu Craig.

Dr. Newth (Copy)

Dr. Newth

Len Shamber of Damar, portraying Dr. Newth describes victims of the 1887 prairie fire.

Nicodemus Blues Baseball Player (Copy)

Nicodemus Blues Baseball Player

Reggie Jordan portrays Freddie Switzer as he describes the home run hit thrown by Satchel Paige, Negro Baseball League pitching giant.

Dancing during the musical interlude. (Copy)

Dancing during the musical interlude.

Sheila Plummer and Roy Acheson were inspired to entertain the audience with a waltz during one of the musical intermissions.

Nicodemus Performers (Copy)

Nicodemus Performers

Nicodemus performers (l-r): Angela Bates, Leroy Walz, Gil Alexander, Heather Alexander, Victor Williams, JohnElla Holmes, Tyrone, Lauryn and LueCreasea Horne, Jerika Hopes, Roy Acheson, Daniel Moore, Berrie Tompkins, Lin Shamber, Steve Jones, Reggie Jordan.

Nicodemus New Old Timers (Copy)

Nicodemus New Old Timers

The Nicodemus New Old Timers, Todd Toman, Kenna and Joe Vincent, all of Hill City, provide musical interludes throughout the day performances.

Spring Chautauqua

Our first annual Chautauqua (living history characters performing under the big tent) was held on Saturday, Memorial Day weekend May 2017. It is our annual spring event. The crowd of over 200 spectators were educated, entertained, and humored with over twelve characters and stories being presented about Nicodemus history and early settlers. Descendants and friends volunteer to play the characters who tell their stories, from newspaper editors reporting news, banker and customer disputes, business owners and clients, politicians, homesteaders, baseball players, prairie fires and doctoring, etc. Period music provided by the Nicodemus New Old Timers entertains the crowd between performances and provides an opportunity for participants to dance. Sponsors for the event are Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Nicodemus National Historic Site, and food and refreshments provided by Walmart of Hays.

Ellis Trail Tour

Pioneer Day

Christmas Tree Trimming