Final preparations are being made in DeFuniak Springs to kick off the 2012 historic Chautauqua Assembly.

With it being an election year, this year's theme is a "Journey into the American Presidency."

The annual four day conference style program begins Thursday and features several historic exhibits, theatrical re-enactments, educational sessions, and dinner and tea performances throughout several venues in DeFuniak Springs.

This year's keynote speaker is Bill Barker of Williamsburg, Virginia. Barker will be dressed in character and speaking as Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President.

"We've gotten a lot of calls about it. This year, for some reason people are more interested in this program than we've ever had before" said Florida Chautauqua Assembly President Chris Mitchell.

Former keynote speakers at the annual assembly have included Karl Rove, Naomi Tutu, and former first daughter Jenna Bush-Hager.

A list of this weekend's schedule of events can be found at www.FloridaChautauquaAssembly.org