Lyceums

In 1826 in Millbury, Massachusetts, Josiah Holbrook organized a program of adult education courses he called a lyceum, named after Aristotle's school in ancient Athens. The popularity of Holbrook's program spread, and five years later, the National American Lyceum was established in New York City. In the years that followed, organizations all across the country began establishing their own lyceums; by 1834, there were several thousand.

Under these auspices, audiences heard lectures and concerts, watched scientific demonstrations and dramatic performances, and participated in debates and discussion groups. Institutions such as the Lowell Institute in Boston and Cooper Union in New York City were initially established as lyceums. Many of the best-known artists, writers, politicians, and journalists of the day appeared on the lyceum circuit, often scheduled through central booking offices like the Boston Lyceum Bureau, organized by James Redpath, a leader in the movement.

During its most active years--the 1830s to 1860s--the lyceum movement played an important role in American public education and social reform. Its influence began to wane after the Civil War, but its activities were carried on later by the chautauqua movement.

See also Chautauqua Movement; Education.