Ventriloquism is an ancient art that has existed for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks were accustomed to ventriloquism being used by priests, or necromancers, who would "communicate with the spirits" by listening to bellies growl. Eventually, they learned the art of ventriloquism and made their own tummies speak. That is how we get the word ventriloquism, which literally means "belly speak." The voice from the necromancer would give the oracle, or prediction of the future. (Can you image the voice from the belly asking for a burger and fries?)
Folks eventually caught on and a lot of priest ended up losing their head! With the rise in Christianity the art started to die away as ancient Christian leaders felt that ventriloquism was evil.(Nothing like a good con game to anger the local bishops!)
Somehow the art survived and many tried to use it as an entertainment. Still the Catholic Church was opposed to it until in the Renaissance period and later various scholars tried to persuade the Catholic church that street magicians, which included ventriloquist, shouldn't be punished (read, killed!) but left to entertain the peasants. And so it became a legitimate entertainment.
In recent ages, since the mid-1800's the art has been used as an entertainment. From Askins to Bergen, ventriloquist were considered top entertainers. Even with the rise of television in the 50s ventriloquist continued to entertain. Some of my personal heroes from this time were Paul Winchell, Jimmy Nelson, and the late Clifford Guest.
In the middle 20th Century, folks wanting another outlet to share the Good News of Jesus Christ started using puppets and ventriloquism to spread the Word. Ventriloquism became a very popular avenue for spreading the Gospel in the mid-60's and into the 70's. Somehow, it fell out of favor for a season, but is now enjoying a revival as a tool to teach and share with others about the wonders of a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.