Barb Welsh presentation on Harriet Hosmer to be first in Chautaqua Summer Series at Ferryville, WI


Barb Welsh ... Submitted photo.

Chautauqua is defined as an experience that provides popular education and entertainment. The Ferryville Tourism Council will be presenting a Chautauqua Summer Series for 2018. Each event will be held at the Ferryville Village Hall at the south end of town beginning at 8 p.m. with refreshments and time for visiting.

The first program of the series will be Wednesday, June 20 at 8 p.m. Barbara Kailean Welsh will be the featured guest. She grew up just outside of Lansing, and she now lives in Viroqua, WI. She is the author of a biography of Harriet Hosmer, a woman whose name is forever connected to the Lansing area.

Harriet Hosmer never lived in Lansing, and in fact, only visited once for a short time.  So why, one might wonder, is one of the most famous landmarks in Lansing named Mount Hosmer? Those who come to the June 20 Chautauqua program in Ferryville, WI will find out.

Those attending will also learn about Hosmer’s life as a very accomplished sculptor, her early life, her travels, and where her pieces of art can still be found. Welsh will also have copies of her book available after her presentation.

The dates of the other two programs in the Chautauqua Summer Series are July 18 with Mary Antoine (Fur trading along the Mississippi) and August 15 with Robert Taunt (The Steamboat War Eagle). For more information, call Sherry Quamme at 608-734-9077 or Joanne White at 608-734-9018.