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John Adams Living History-Syracuse, Indiana

John Adams 2026

John Adams Living History Comes to Syracuse, Indiana This July 4th Weekend

He argued. He debated. He made enemies… and changed the world anyway.

This July 4th weekend, this entertaining and educational experience brings one of America’s most outspoken Founding Fathers to life right here in Syracuse.

A John Adams Living History Experience in Syracuse, Indiana

As part of Chautauqua-Wawasee’s annual Patriotic Speaker Series, the 2026 program will feature the second President of the United States, John Adams, portrayed by professional actor-historian Peyton Dixon.

In this immersive living history event in Syracuse, Indiana, Adams reflects on his extraordinary life, from his pivotal role in the Continental Congress to his years serving as America’s first Vice President and second President.

The “Colossus of Independence” in Living History

Called the “Colossus of Independence” by Thomas Jefferson, Adams helped guide the nation through its earliest and most uncertain years.

He was known for his stubbornness, his brilliance, and his unwavering commitment to principle over popularity.

Though often seen as rivals, Adams and Jefferson shared one of history’s most remarkable coincidences. Both men passed away on July 4, 1826, exactly fifty years after signing the Declaration of Independence.

Meet the Man Behind the John Adams Living History Program

This one-hour John Adams living history Syracuse Indiana program brings history to life in a way that feels immediate and personal.

Actor Peyton Dixon has portrayed John Adams for the National Constitution Center, the National Park Service, Independence National Historical Park, and the Adams Memorial Foundation. His performance captures the full humanity of Adams, complexities and all.

The program will conclude with a live Q&A, giving attendees the chance to interact directly with one of America’s most fascinating founding figures.

Event Details

John Adams: In His Own Words
Sunday, July 5 at 4:30 PM
Wawasee High School Auditorium – 1 Warrior Path – Syracuse, Indiana

This fascinating and educational event is free to attend and open to all ages.

About Chautauqua-Wawasee

Chautauqua-Wawasee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching life in Syracuse and the surrounding northern Indiana region through programs centered on Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation.

Continuing the tradition of the original Chautauqua movement, founded in 1874, Chautauqua-Wawasee provides high-quality, accessible programming to the community, most of it free of charge.

👉 Learn more about upcoming programs on our website:
Chautauqua-Wawasee Events

Follow Chautauqua-Wawasee on Facebook for updates and upcoming events.

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Indiana Boater Education Course | Free Classes in Syracuse IN

Boat Safety Course

Boater Education Courses Offer Free Training for a Safer Summer on the Water

Not sure about boating laws on Indiana lakes? You’re not alone – and this summer, there are two free opportunities to gain the knowledge and confidence every boater should have.

Chautauqua-Wawasee is hosting two Indiana Boater Education Courses at the Syracuse Community Center to help area residents operate watercraft safely and legally. Both courses are sponsored by Main Channel Marina and the Indiana DNR.

Indiana Boating Requirements

In Indiana:

  • Anyone may operate a boat with a motor of 9.9 horsepower or less, or paddle a canoe or kayak
  • Operators of watercraft 10 HP or greater must have a valid driver’s license
  • Those who are 15 years old may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft greater than 10 HP only if they:
    • Complete a Boater Education Course
    • Carry a DNR-issued education card
    • Carry an ID issued by the Indiana BMV until they receive a driver’s license

These courses are designed to help you meet those requirements and feel confident on the water.

Ladies Boater Education Course

Saturday, May 30, 2026
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Syracuse Community Center
1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse

Cost: Free (donuts and light lunch provided)
Pre-registration required: Register HERE

This special ladies-only session is designed to encourage open questions in a comfortable and supportive environment.

Conservation Officers from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will lead the course, covering:

  • Boating laws
  • Navigation rules
  • Emergency procedures
  • Safe operation practices

Girls and women of all ages are welcome. Participants under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Upon successful completion of the course and exam, each participant will receive an official Indiana Boater Education Card.

Looking for a meaningful Mother’s Day gift?
Consider giving the gift of confidence and safety on the water.

Boater Education Course (Open Session)

Saturday, August 1, 2026
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Syracuse Community Center
1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse

Cost: Free (donuts and light lunch provided)
Pre-registration required: Register HERE

This session is open to everyone, including:

  • New boaters
  • Teens operating personal watercraft
  • Longtime lake residents who want a refresher

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Developed with guidance from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the course includes:

  • Indiana boating laws and recent updates
  • Navigation and right-of-way rules
  • Required safety equipment
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Responsible and courteous boating

Participants who complete the course will receive an Indiana Boater Education Card.

Why It Matters

Whether you enjoy time on a sailboat, powerboat, paddleboard, canoe, kayak, or fishing boat, safety begins with knowledge.

Even those who are not the primary driver benefit from understanding proper procedures and emergency response.

A few hours in the classroom can make a lasting difference on the water.

Let’s all take steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable lake season this summer.

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Waterfowl Festival | Northern Indiana Spring Migration

What’s Flying Through Northern Indiana This Spring?

A New Waterfowl Festival Invites the Public to Experience Migration Up Close

A Front-Row Seat to Spring Migration

Waterfowl Festival in Northern Indiana

This March, bird watchers, nature lovers, and curious minds alike are invited to experience spring migration up close. The Waterfowl Festival offers a full day dedicated to birds, wetlands, and conservation.

Tippecanoe Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, and Chautauqua-Wawasee jointly host the festival. The event takes place at the Oakwood Resort in Syracuse. It welcomes participants of all ages and experience levels.

March marks peak migration along the Mississippi Flyway. During this time, waterfowl and other wetland birds move north through the region. The Waterfowl Festival in Northern Indiana offers a rare chance to observe this seasonal movement firsthand.

Guided Birding Experiences

Festival participants can join guided field trips to Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area and the Pisgah Marsh Boardwalk. Both locations sit along key migration routes.

Expert birders lead these outings in coordination with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Participants learn to observe and identify birds in real time. These trips provide hands-on experience in active wetland habitats.

Workshops and Hands-On Activities

In addition to outdoor birding, the festival offers an indoor activity track. This option allows participants to balance time inside and outside.

Ducks Unlimited volunteers lead waterfowl identification workshops, duck box building, and decoy painting activities. These sessions help participants tailor the day to their interests. They also provide flexibility based on weather or comfort level.

Speaker Series on Waterfowl and Conservation

An afternoon speaker series rounds out the program. These talks focus on waterfowl biology, migration, and conservation.

Featured speakers include
• Adam Phelps, Indiana DNR Waterfowl Biologist, discussing changes to migration patterns along the Mississippi Flyway
• Hunter Mentges, presenting an introduction to identifying and aging waterfowl
• A representative from Indiana Audubon, discussing the successful reestablishment of sandhill cranes in Indiana

Partners in Conservation

The Tippecanoe Audubon Society supports conservation and environmental education. Its work promotes appreciation and preservation of birds, wildlife, and diverse ecosystems.

The Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area and Pisgah Marsh Wildlife Management Areas are managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. These areas provide quality outdoor recreational opportunities.

Ducks Unlimited works to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and waterfowl habitat. This work benefits birds, wildlife, and the communities that depend on healthy ecosystems.

Chautauqua-Wawasee proudly partners with these organizations. Together, they bring the first-ever Waterfowl Festival to the Syracuse area.

Tickets and Registration

Tickets to the Waterfowl Festival are $20 per person. The price includes a buffet lunch. Registration is strongly encouraged.

Tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite by clicking HERE.

Follow us on Facebook for updates!

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Chautauqua Wawasee 2026 Program Schedule

Chautauqua Wawasee 2026 Program Schedule

Discover the Chautauqua Wawasee 2026 Program Schedule, a full year of inspiring events celebrating Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation in the Syracuse and Lake Wawasee community. This year’s lineup blends beloved traditions with new programs designed to inform, entertain, and connect.

Program Schedule Highlights for 2026

The ever-popular Purdue Varsity Glee Club Performance returns on April 17, filling the spring air with music, harmony, and school spirit.

In July, our Famous Hoosier Series will feature Ralph Teetor. If you missed this film and discussion in 2024 at the Pickwick Theater, mark your calendar for July 28 when it returns to Chautauqua-Wawasee.

Our growing Arts Programs continue to expand in 2026 with hands-on workshops. Included in the lineup are Pottery, Stained Glass Mosaics, Pour Paint, and Plein Air Painting. These offerings support our ongoing goal of establishing our region as a true Artists’ Destination.

And since our Patriotic Speaker Series features a new historical figure each year, we’re especially excited to announce that George Washington will be our featured guest in 2026. His engaging reenactment will bring America’s early days to life through storytelling and character portrayal.

Returning Favorites

You’ll see the return of crowd favorites like the Pawasee Dog Parade, Taps Across the Water, Old Fashioned Christmas, and our Historic Cruises — all programs that continue to bring joy, connection, and tradition to our community year after year.

Plan Ahead

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and make 2026 a year to remember with Chautauqua Wawasee. You can always find the most up-to-date information on all of our programs on the Chautauqua-Wawasee Facebook page. You can also check the Chautauqua-Wawasee calendar of events.

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Syracuse Ghost Tour: Haunted Past Comes Alive

Syracuse Ghost Tour: Haunted Past Comes Alive

The Syracuse Ghost Tour premieres on Saturday, October 18, 2025, bringing history and hauntings together in one unforgettable evening. This one-night-only walking tour takes guests through downtown Syracuse, Indiana, where they’ll meet the “ghosts” of the past and hear the stories that shaped the town.

What You’ll Experience

At each stop, volunteer storytellers portray figures from Syracuse’s history—some famous, others infamous. Guests will encounter a bank president tied to a tree during a daring robbery, hear how Andrew Carnegie helped fund the public library, and listen to a silent film star’s memories of summers on Lake Wawasee. Firefighters recall blazes in the Pickwick Block, while pioneering teachers share their trailblazing stories. Each tale is told on the very ground where it happened, blending fact, legend, and Halloween spirit.

Tour Details

Tours run from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, departing every fifteen minutes. Each lasts about an hour and covers a half-mile of flat, mobility-friendly paths. Designed for all ages, the Syracuse Ghost Tour combines history, performance, and a touch of the supernatural.

Location

Tours will begin at Moore’s Affordable Furniture, located at 200 E. Main St., Syracuse, IN

Admission

11-Adult: $3 / Children 10 and under are FREE!

Reserve Your Spot

Click HERE to reserve your spot and join us for an evening where Syracuse’s haunted past comes alive.

This event has concluded. Details are retained as part of Chautauqua-Wawasee’s programming archive.

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Revitalization of the Miami Culture – Indiana and Beyond

Bringing History Alive

Revitalization of the Miami Culture – Indiana and Beyond

In celebration of Archaeology Month, Chautauqua-Wawasee will host “Bringing History Alive” with a program on the Revitalization of the Miami Culture: Indiana and Beyond. The presentation is free to attend outdoors at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Ruddell Pavilion, 11586 N State Route 13, Syracuse, IN, on Saturday, September 6 from 10 AM to Noon.

Logan York, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, will discuss contemporary revitalization of Myaamia culture and review ancient Tribal history of Myaamiaki neehi Myaamionki: Miami People and Miami Land, including the Tribe’s removal to and establishment in Oklahoma. The present era of revitalization, including the Tribal processes and reasoning that underlay Myaamia strategies for cultural renewal, will be Logan’s focus. He will highlight contemporary Miami art and the artists who are significant contributors to Myaamia cultural revitalization.

Two regionally famous Myaamia artists, Dani Tippmann (fine basketry) and Katrina Mitten (beadwork), will be present to share samples of their art and to dialogue about their exquisite work for attendees to view both before and after the presentation.

About the Presenters

Image of Logan York

Logan York is the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and a citizen of the Tribe. Logan is an active member of the Miami community, attending tribal events, stomp dances, and other cultural gatherings. He has a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Anthropology with minors in History and Archaeology. Logan came to work for the Tribe in April of 2022 after previously working for Rebecca Hawkins, the consulting archaeologist for the Miami Tribe. As THPO, he is part of the Cultural Resources Office team that is located in the Miami ancestral homelands.

Dani Tippmann is a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and an award-winning artist who has been beading for more than 45 years. Her works have been acquired by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery of American Art in Washington, D.C., and the Eiteljorg Museum of Native American and Western Art in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Katrina Mitten, Food Program Director for the Miami Tribe, a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, is descended from Takumwah and Chief Richardville. She was honored by the Eiteljorg Museum of Native and Western Art as Artist in Residence (in 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2024) for being a Plant Tradition Bearer and for her mastery in basketry that is made from the gift of nature’s plant world.

Why Attend?

Step into a living history experience that bridges the past and present of the Miami people. This unique program offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from Miami Tribal leaders and artists about their cultural revitalization, ancestral traditions, and vibrant contemporary art. Learn how centuries-old practices are being renewed, view exquisite basketry and beadwork up close, and connect with the stories that continue to shape the Myaamia identity today. Whether you’re passionate about history, Indigenous culture, or the arts, you’ll leave inspired, informed, and enriched.

More Information: Follow the Chautauqua-Wawasee Facebook page or call (574) 377-7543

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Digging Through History – September 11 & 12 in Syracuse, Indiana

CHQW Digging Through History Series 2025

Digging Through History – September 11 & 12 in Syracuse, Indiana

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum invite you to the fifth annual free two-evening series, “Digging Through History,” where history truly comes alive. Both events take place at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N Long Drive, Syracuse, Indiana.

Thursday, September 11 – The Pre-History of Northern Indiana

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Presented by Bryan Warder, vice president, and Pat Mooney, past president of the Indiana Archeological Society.

Discover the story of Indiana’s earliest inhabitants — people who lived here thousands of years ago and left behind remarkable stone implements. Bryan and Pat will display prehistoric artifacts and explain how they were used.

Special Feature: Bring any artifacts you’ve found for free identification and dating by Pat and Bryan.

Life and Times of Potawatomi Chief, Five Medals, has been cancelled this year.

Friday, September 12 – The Life and Times of Potawatomi Chief Five Medals-CANCELLED

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Presented by Mike Judson, this evening will explore the life of Potawatomi Chief Five Medals — a prominent leader during the frontier wars of the 1790s and the War of 1812.

Learn how Chief Five Medals:

  • Signed six treaties

  • Met Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson

  • Advocated for agriculture and defended his people’s homeland

Mike will also share original artifacts and reproduction items from the era.

Event Details

  • Dates: Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12

  • Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM each night

  • Location: Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N Long Drive, Syracuse, Indiana

  • Cost: Free admission

  • More Information: Follow the Chautauqua-Wawasee Facebook page or call (574) 377-7543

Why Attend?

These engaging programs are perfect for history lovers, students, families, and anyone curious about the people who once called Northern Indiana home. Bring your kids, neighbor kids, and grandkids to experience history in a hands-on, fun, and interactive way.

Presented with support from:
Indiana Historical Society, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, and Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation, and Visitors Commission.

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Famous Hoosier Eli Lilly | Free Event at Oakwood Resort July 12

Famous Hoosier Eli Lilly: A Legacy of Healing and Innovation

Join us on July 12 at Oakwood Resort for the second annual Famous Hoosier program, featuring Eli Lilly.
This free public event highlights the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Eli Lilly, an influential Indiana medical pioneer whose innovations and values continue to shape not only the state—but healthcare and philanthropy around the world.

Famous Hoosier Eli Lilly

Who Was Eli Lilly?

Born: 1838 • Died: 1898

  • Earned the lifelong title of Colonel after serving in the Civil War

  • Discovered his passion for medicine as a teenager visiting a local drugstore

  • In 1876, Eli Lilly and Company was founded, introducing gelatin-coated pills and other innovations

  • His legacy lives on through both Indiana’s largest for-profit corporation and its largest philanthropic foundation

Learn more about the Lilly Milestones of Caring and Discovery.

Why Eli Lilly Still Matters

Eli Lilly wasn’t just a pharmaceutical pioneer—he was a Hoosier through and through. His legacy of innovation, integrity, and generosity continues to influence not only Indiana, but the world. And fittingly, we’ll be honoring him right here on Lake Wawasee, a place he cherished. This is more than a history lesson—it’s a chance to celebrate a life that still shapes how we live, heal, and give today.

Eli-Lilly-Cottage

Eli Lilly Cottage on Lake Wawasee, in Syracuse, Indiana. *Photo courtesy of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

Event Details

Date: July 12, 2025
Time:

  • 4:30 PM – Light refreshments and cash bar

  • 5:00–6:00 PM – Presentation

Location: Oakwood Resort Inn
702 E. Lake View Rd, Syracuse, IN

Cost: Free to attend

About the Presenter

Dr. Richard Gunderman is Chancellor’s Professor at Indiana University and a practicing physician at Riley Hospital for Children. A dedicated scholar and educator, he is the author of Hoosier Beacons, which profiles 30 influential Hoosiers, including Eli Lilly. Dr. Gunderman is widely known for his engaging lectures, deep historical knowledge, and commitment to public education.

What to Expect

  • A lively, informative program celebrating one of Indiana’s most impactful citizens

  • A deeper understanding of the legacy of a Famous Hoosier whose work still benefits millions

  • Community connection, historical insight, and appreciation of Indiana’s enduring legacy

Eli Lilly didn’t just build a company—he built a legacy of care, innovation, and generosity that still touches lives today. He had a deep love for Lake Wawasee, and there’s something special about honoring his story in the very place that meant so much to him. We hope you’ll join us to reflect, learn, and celebrate the life of a Hoosier who helped shape far more than just our state.

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Teddy and Edith Roosevelt: Chautauqua-Wawasee 2025 Speaker Series

Teddy and Edith Roosevelt Come to Life at Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2025 Patriotic Speaker Series

Larry and Julia Marple portraying Teddy and Edith Roosevelt during Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2025 Patriotic Speaker Series in Syracuse, Indiana

Experience history as President Teddy Roosevelt and First Lady Edith Roosevelt come to life at the 5th Annual Patriotic Speaker Series, presented by Chautauqua-Wawasee. This free program features professional actors Larry and Julia Marple portraying the 26th President and his wife, bringing their stories, passions, and era to vivid life.

Join us on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at the Wawasee High School Auditorium in Syracuse, Indiana.

About the Program

Teddy and Edith Roosevelt will discuss major topics of the early 1900s, share personal stories from their lives together, and reflect on their love for nature and conservation.

At age 42, Teddy Roosevelt became the youngest person ever elected President of the United States. As president, he reshaped the executive office, promoting social justice, regulating American industry, and laying the groundwork for modern governance.

In addition to his political achievements, Roosevelt was a celebrated author, big game hunter, and world adventurer. Conservation was central to his legacy—Teddy Roosevelt protected over 200 million acres of land for future generations and championed the healing power of nature throughout his life.

Edith Roosevelt will offer insights into her role as First Lady, describing the challenges and joys of being “the woman behind the man.” She will share how she managed official communications and family matters while supporting her husband’s dynamic presidency.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025
Time: 4:30–5:30 P.M.
Location: Wawasee High School Auditorium, Syracuse, Indiana
Admission: Free and open to the public

Additional Festivities in Syracuse

Later that evening, enjoy the annual Patriotic Pops Concert by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra on the lawn at Oakwood Resort.
The concert begins at 7:30 P.M., and attendance is free. Visit the Chautauqua tent for a complimentary flag and glow light for the whole family!

Learn More

For full event details, follow us on Facebook or call 574-377-7543.

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Humble Gumption: Cam Shriver’s Insight on Myaamia Survival and History

Humble Gumption: Cam Shriver’s Insight on Myaamia Survival and History
By: Dave Berry, Chautauqua Wawasee

Survival of the Myaamia-Cam Shriver

On a brisk September morning, about 40 people attended Cam Shriver’s presentation on the survival of the Myaamia people, hosted by Chautauqua Wawasee.

Cam Shriver is a Senior Research Associate in the Myaamia Center at Miami University in Ohio. His research focuses on Indigenous history, with a particular emphasis on the Myaamia experience across the last four centuries.

1846 as a turning point

Cam’s discussion began by establishing the year 1846 as a reference point. In 1846, 350 tribal members were removed from Indiana to Kansas. Part of the talk focused on the tactics used by the U.S. government to coerce members of the Myaamia nation into ceding most of their land in Indiana to the United States, both before and after 1846.

Participant questions and discussion highlights

The conversation then moved into participant questions, including:

  • Myaamia farming practices

  • Miami University’s role in supporting the Miami Tribe’s work to re awaken the dormant Myaamia language

  • Stories of tribal leaders Peepakicia (Papakeechie) and Waawiyaasita (Wawasee), along with their descendants

“Nothing about us, without us” and community engaged scholarship

Given the history of non Native people pursuing research detached from living Native Americans, some Myaamia officials have adopted the phrase: “Nothing about us, without us.”

In this spirit, Cam summarized his approach to community engaged scholarship as “humble gumption.” As a non Myaamia person, he aims to remain humble enough to understand that Myaamia leaders have their own priorities, that the nation has limited resources, and that he is only one of many well meaning people who request Myaamia perspectives. Yet, he still has the gumption to develop long term relationships that enable collaboration and allyship with the ongoing Myaamia cultural renaissance.

Learn more

Cam suggests perusing the Myaamia community blog, Aacimotaatiiyankwi, as a strong starting point for learning more about Myaamia history, culture, ecological perspectives, and events:
https://aacimotaatiiyankwi.org/

Looking ahead

Chautauqua Wawasee will host Logan York, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, at the WACF Ruddell Pavilion on September 6, 2025.

And for those of you who cannot get enough history

Take a look at this. Our three day Digging Through History Series starts tomorrow. Get the full details here: [LINK HERE]

 

Digging Through History 2024

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