Schedule

7:00am-12:00pm Event and Vendor Setup

1:00pm -1:30pm Opening Ceremony

6:30pm-8:00pm Welcome Party

At this event, registrants can meet keynote speakers, performers, and breakout session speakers. Hors d'oeuvre and wine will be served!

8:30am–10:00am Featured Keynote Presentation with Mike Mullane

Community Center - Main Room

Join former NASA astronaut Mike Mullane as he shares captivating stories from his three Space Shuttle missions during the 1980s. With humor, insight, and inspiration, Mullane takes audiences behind the scenes of America’s early space program—highlighting the challenges, teamwork, and courage that defined the era. This keynote promises an unforgettable journey through space exploration history at the 2026 Florida Chautauqua Assembly. Breakfast served from 8:30am–9:00am, followed by the keynote presentation.

10:15am–12:35pm Excursion to Eden Gardens State Park

Enjoy a guided visit to Eden Gardens State Park, home to the beautifully restored Wesley House, stunning live oak trees, and peaceful garden paths along Tucker Bayou. Learn about the park’s rich history and natural beauty while exploring one of Northwest Florida’s most picturesque landmarks. Transportation is provided, and guests are encouraged to bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera. Includes 40 minutes of travel each way and a 1-hour on-site experience. Buses depart promptly from the Community Center at 10:15am.

12:35pm–12:55pm Transition Break

1:00pm–2:45pm Performance Tea

Community Center - Activity Room

Enjoy an elegant afternoon English tea with hors d'oeuvres served on hand-painted China and featuring a historical re-enactment performance.

3:00pm–4:00pm Afternoon Activity/Workshop

Community Center - Main Room

Create your own '80s tie-dye t-shirt!

4:15pm-5:15pm Breakout Session

Community Center - Meeting Room

"The Chernobyl Catastrophe: Causes and Consequences" by Ryan Chilcutt

This talk explores the catastrophic Chernobyl nuclear disaster of April 26, 1986—one of the most significant technological failures in modern history. We will examine the sequence of events that led to the explosion at Reactor 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Soviet Ukraine, the human and environmental cost of the disaster, and the long-term effects that continue to shape global nuclear policy. The session will also shed light on the heroism of the first responders, the secrecy of the Soviet response, and the lessons learned in the decades since. Through historical analysis and scientific context, the talk aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how a single event reshaped our perception of nuclear energy forever.

6:30pm-8:00pm Evening Dinner and Performance

Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood

TBD

8:30am–10:00am Featured Keynote Presentation

Community Center - Main Room

Breakfast served from 8:30am–9:00am, followed by the keynote presentation.

10:15am–12:35pm Excursion to E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center

Join us for an exciting two-hour excursion to the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center in Freeport, FL. This immersive experience invites guests to explore the Center’s Exhibit Hall, enjoy up-close presentations featuring foxes, bobcats, and birds, and even handle a variety of reptiles. Don’t miss the captivating bird flight demonstration and the inspiring "World of Wonder" presentation, all designed to deepen your connection with the natural world. Includes 40 minutes of travel each way and a 1-hour on-site experience. Buses depart promptly from the Community Center at 10:15am.

12:35pm–12:55pm Transition Break

1:00pm–2:45pm Performance Tea

Community Center - Activity Room

Enjoy an elegant afternoon English tea with hors d'oeuvres served on hand-painted China and featuring a historical re-enactment performance.

3:00pm–4:00pm Afternoon Activity/Workshop

Community Center - Main Room

Line dance to your favorite '80s tunes!

4:15pm-5:15pm Breakout Session

Community Center - Meeting Room

"Eyewitness to History: Fall of Communism" by Greg Garland

Greg was an eyewitness to the collapse of communism. Living and working in Poland from 1986 to 1990, he saw the rot finally give way and knew many of the people who became household names. But what he saw went mostly unreported and has since fallen by the wayside before new narratives had been woven about why communism fell. Greg will share some of those stories about himself and real persons in Poland: what they faced, how they coped, and how they overcame enormous obstacles to refute and defeat Marx and Lenin.

6:30pm-8:00pm Evening Dinner and Performance

Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood

TBD

Kids Activities and Field Day

We will provide updates as details are finalized.

• Ceramic Painting with Misfit Ceramic Shop

Time is TBD

Show off your painting skills at Misfit Ceramic Shop's mobile painting studio! Kids will pick their favorite figurine to paint and bring it home to enjoy.

• 6:30pm-8:00pm Star Wars Movie Night

Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood

Join us for an epic evening showing of The Empire Strikes Back! Step into a galaxy far, far away with a special screening of this Star Wars classic. Enjoy theater-style food including popcorn, candy, and drinks while immersing yourself in the adventure. Costumes are welcome—whether you're channeling your inner Jedi, Sith, or Wookiee, come dressed for the rebellion (or the Empire)! May the Force be with you for a night of nostalgia, action, and galactic fun.

Sunday Sermon by County Commissioner Danny Glidewell

Community Center - Main Room