The Sacramento History Museum is proud to present a special Chautauqua evening — “Meet Mary Pleasant” — on Wednesday, March 18, at 7 p.m. Known as an adult education and social movement, Chautauqua is a type of historical character performance that originated in Chautauqua, New York, and was hugely popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Sacramento History Museum is excited to introduce to a Sacramento audience eager for new experiences.

Timed to celebrate Women’s History Month, the first powerful, one-hour performance will feature actor, Emmy Award winning producer, and acclaimed filmmaker Dr. Susheel Bibbs who portrays Mary Ellen Pleasant, known as the ‘Mother of Civil Rights in California’. Attendees will experience an engaging three-part performance where they first learn about this trailblazing woman, her life and struggles, delivered in a first-person format. The audience will then have the opportunity to ask questions while she is fully in character and attire. Finally she returns on stage to address any questions that cannot be fully answered while portraying Mary Pleasant.

Presented, coordinated, and led by the Sacramento History Museum, “Meet Mary Pleasant” will take place in the Celebration Arts Theatre located at 2727 B Street in Sacramento. Advance registration to experience the special Chautauqua evening costs $40 for adults, $30 for members, and $20 for youth (recommended for ages 8 and above).

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