Lyceum
Lyceum, a tract of ground outside ancient Athens. It was the site of a gymnasium (exercise ground) and had many paths and covered passages. It was here that Aristotle walked and talked philosophy with his disciples. Consequently the word lyceumis used in many languages for a place of instruction. In France, for example, a secondary school preparing students for universities is called a lycée.
In the early 19th century, local organizations in the United States that were interested in adult education called themselves lyceums. They sponsored lectures and concerts, and established libraries. A parallel movement was Chautauqua, which survived longer.