International Platform Association

Specialties

The American Lyceum Association was founded in

1831 by American statesman Daniel Webster and educator

Josiah Holbrook.

History

Established in 1831.

The American Lyceum Association was founded in

1831 by American statesman Daniel Webster and educator

Josiah Holbrook. The Latin word «Lyceum»

comes from the Greek word «Lykeion» which referred to the

school outside Athens where Aristotle taught from 325 to

323 B.C. In 19^th century America, the Lyceum movement

was a popular venue for public lectures and concerts and

spread quickly to 3,000 locations in New England and the

Midwest by 1834. Popular Lyceum speakers of that era included

Webster, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Frederick Douglas,

Henry David Thoreau and Susan B. Anthony. Lyceums

often were permanent buildings and lecture halls associated

with colleges or churches.

The Lyceum movement was most popular from 1831 to

1860 and played an important role in the educational and social

development of America. After the end of the Civil

War, Lyceum activities continued and helped to inspire circuits

of temporary outdoor speaking venues in tents during

the summer months named after a meeting at L

Meet the Business Owner

Mitchell D.

Business Owner

The American Lyceum Association was founded in

1831 by American statesman Daniel Webster and educator

Josiah Holbrook.