Boston Lyceum Bureau facts for kids

The Boston Lyceum Bureau, Bromfield St., Boston, 1872

The Boston Lyceum Bureau was an important organization founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1868. It was started by James Redpath and George L. Fall. Their office was located at 36 Bromfield Street. This bureau helped bring many famous speakers and writers to audiences across America.

Imagine a time before TV or the internet. People learned about new ideas and heard inspiring stories by attending live talks. The Boston Lyceum Bureau made this possible. They arranged for well-known people like Frederick Douglass, Mark Twain, and George MacDonald to speak to large crowds.

Around 1874, the original partnership ended. However, James Redpath continued with a new group called the "Redpath Lyceum Bureau." This new bureau kept many of the same popular speakers and performers. Over time, other owners took over, and both the "Boston Lyceum Bureau" and the "Redpath Lyceum Bureau" grew much larger. They even opened branches all over the United States, continuing to bring education and entertainment to people well into the 20th century.

Meet the Speakers and Performers

The Boston Lyceum Bureau brought many influential people to speak. These individuals shared their ideas on important topics of the day. They included authors, activists, and entertainers. Here are some of the notable people who spoke or performed through the bureau: