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PURPOSE The lyceums, Mechanics’ Institutes , and Agricultural Societies that flourished in the United States before and after the Civil War were important in the development of adult education in America. During this period hundreds of informal associations were established for the purpose of improving the social, intellectual, and moral fabric of society. The '''lyceum movement''' — with its lectures, dramatic performances, class instructions, and debates — contributed significantly to the education of the adult American in the nineteenth century and provided the cultural framework for many of the areas of influence. Noted lecturers, entertainers and readers would travel the "lyceum circuit," going from town to town or state to state to entertain, speak, or debate in a variety of locations. ORIGINS The first American lyceum, " Millbury Branch Number 1 of the American Lyceum," was founded by Josiah Holbrook in 1826 . Holbrook was a traveling lecturer and teacher who believed that education was a lifelong experience, and intended to create a ''National American Lyceum'' organization that would oversee this method of teaching. Other educators adopted the lyceum format but were not interested in organizing, so this idea was ultimately dropped. PEAK OF THE MOVEMENT The Lyceum Movement reached the peak of its popularity in the Antebellum era. Public Lyceums were set up around the country, as far as Florida and Detroit. Transcendentalist s such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau endorsed the movement and gave speeches at many local lyceums. As a young man, Abraham Lincoln gave a speech to a Lyceum in Springfield, Illinois . LYCEUM AS ENTERTAINMENT After the American Civil War , lyceums were increasingly used as a venue for travelling entertainers, such as Vaudeville and Minstrel Show s. However, they were still used for public speeches, and notable public figures such as Susan B. Anthony , Elizabeth Cady Stanton , Mark Twain , and William Lloyd Garrison all spoke at lyceums in the late 19th century. REFERENCES
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