The Pennsylvania Chautauqua was one of more than 200 Chautauquas created as part of a late 19th and early 20th century movement that began in 1874 at Lake Chautauqua, New York. The movement grew to include many programs in the arts, sciences, and religion and sought to educate people of all social standings. The Pennsylvania Chautauqua opened here in 1892 on land that was later purchased from industrialist Robert Coleman, and over time a number of public buildings were constructed to further its mission.