New York

Chautauqua in Fall & Spring: An Exclusive Road Scholar Experience

Program No. 1713RJ
Founded in 1874, the Chautauqua Institution is an enduring celebration of art, history and culture. Join us for an enriching adventure of classes, lectures and expert-led excursions.

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We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Since it began as an educational experiment in 1874, Chautauqua Institution has grown into a center for lifelong learners. Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Chautauqua in western New York, the Chautauqua Institution is known for its bustling summer season. This unique Chautauqua experience takes place in “off-season” of fall and spring, and it lets you and your fellow Road Scholars get the grounds mostly to yourself. Enjoy exclusive Road Scholar courses while staying on the institution’s peaceful, scenic grounds. During your stay, explore exciting themes such as art, music, literature, science, politics, religion and more. Get ready for the educational opportunity of a lifetime!
Activity Level
Easy Going
Minimal walking through hotel and to meals. Shuttle service to classes and entertainment.

What You'll Learn

  • Participate in a variety of stimulating classes and lively lectures with distinguished experts.
  • In the afternoons, pick from a range of activities like nature walks, yoga or a discussion with a political analyst or scientist.
  • Relish in evening entertainment such as jazz and classical performances, improv comedy, a cappella choirs and more!

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. Airport transfer at added cost.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Kaye Lindauer
Kaye has studied and taught psychology, literature and theology over the past 45 years. She focuses on combining these disciplines in order to bring new dimensions of understanding to the world's great stories (mythology, fairy tales, bible stories). For more than 30 years, Kaye Lindauer taught graduate and adult education courses in storytelling and literature at Syracuse University. Kaye continues to conduct weekend retreats for adults in storytelling and personal development, freelance storytelling, conference speaking and instructing for adult education programs.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Kaye Lindauer
Kaye Lindauer View biography
Kaye has studied and taught psychology, literature and theology over the past 45 years. She focuses on combining these disciplines in order to bring new dimensions of understanding to the world's great stories (mythology, fairy tales, bible stories). For more than 30 years, Kaye Lindauer taught graduate and adult education courses in storytelling and literature at Syracuse University. Kaye continues to conduct weekend retreats for adults in storytelling and personal development, freelance storytelling, conference speaking and instructing for adult education programs.
Profile Image of Molly Williamson
Molly Williamson View biography
Molly Williamson, a retired Foreign Service officer who served six U.S. presidents, was the Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to the Secretary of Energy and interim ambassador to Bahrain. She was also Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce responsible for the Middle East, South Asia, Oceania, and Africa, and served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense responsible for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Molly is a board member of the American Foreign Service Association and American Academy of Diplomacy.
Profile Image of Greg Ferro
Greg Ferro View biography
Greg earned his doctorate at Pennsylvania State University. He was a nominee for best teacher in America by the Disney Corporation in 2002 and, in July 2009, he presented four lectures at Penn State on U.S. foreign policy. Greg has been interviewed numerous times on local radio and television, and authored an article published in Education Magazine. He has been teaching with Road Scholar at Chautauqua for many years, and remains one of our most popular lecturers.
Profile Image of Andrew Roth
Andrew Roth View biography
As a scholar-in-residence at the Jefferson Educational Society (JES), Andrew Roth works with his colleagues to enhance the Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy by including an academically oriented research component to the program. He also works with independent colleges on strategic visioning, strategic planning and enrollment management. Previously he served as president of Notre Dame College, from 2003 until his retirement in June 2014, upon which he was awarded an honorary doctorate for his leadership and was named President-Emeritus.
Profile Image of Phil Shull
Phil Shull View biography
Phil Shull retired in 2016 after 31 years with the Foreign Agricultural Service. His interest in food security and international relations was sparked as a boy living in India where he saw severe malnutrition. Philip worked towards maximizing exports of U.S. food and agricultural products and promoting global food security through trade negotiations, capacity building, food safety, biotechnology, marketing and promotion, scientific exchange, and economic analysis. His overseas assignments included Korea, Argentina (including Uruguay and Paraguay), Hong Kong, Philippines, and three postings to China.
Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date
Sep 08 - Sep 13
  • May 19 - May 24
  • Sep 08 - Sep 13
  • Oct 13 - Oct 18
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Topics/Lecturers Dr. Greg Ferro - The Six Most Interesting Presidents of the Twentieth Century 1901 - 1974 Kaye Lindauer - Topic coming soon Molly Williamson - Israel - Hamas and Beyond Phil Shull - Give us 9 Billion our Daily Bread: How Agricultural Advances Since Prehistoric Times Have Postponed the Malthusian Nightmare
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Sep 08 - Sep 13
  • May 19 - May 24
  • Sep 08 - Sep 13
  • Oct 13 - Oct 18
Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Topics/Lecturers Dr. Greg Ferro - The Six Most Interesting Presidents of the Twentieth Century 1901 - 1974 Kaye Lindauer - Topic coming soon Molly Williamson - Israel - Hamas and Beyond Phil Shull - Give us 9 Billion our Daily Bread: How Agricultural Advances Since Prehistoric Times Have Postponed the Malthusian Nightmare
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5 B 5 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Chautauqua, NY
D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Hotel check-in and Program Registration 3:00-5:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).

Afternoon: Program Registration: 3:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Welcome Reception: 5:00 p.m. We will gather in the hotel lobby lounge for complimentary soft drinks, canapés, and aperitifs (beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase). This will be an excellent opportunity to meet your fellow participants, and share stories of Road Scholar adventures past.

Dinner: In the Athenaeum Hotel dining room.

Evening: Orientation: Following a welcome to the entire group and staff introductions, we will divide into several small groups, when each Group Leader will greet everyone and lead group introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Morning Discourse & Discussion, Electives, Entertainment
Chautauqua, NY
B,L,D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off buses; riding on Chautauqua campus. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Morning class sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a mid-morning break. We will have one instructor each morning on one of a variety of topics. These stimulating classes with intriguing speakers will be enlivened by post-session Q&A. Each group will rotate through all presentations during the program.

Lunch: Hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Electives. There will be several electives to choose from.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room.

Evening: A delightful feature of Chautauqua is entertainment each evening of the program, sometimes in the hotel parlor, sometimes at other venues on campus. Possibilities range from classical to jazz, recitals by young musicians building their careers, even play readings. Our program was planned far in advance when details were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment.

DAY
3
Morning Discourse & Discussion, Electives, Entertainment
Chautauqua, NY
B,L,D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Shuttles are available for those who wish to take them around the grounds. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Morning class sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a mid-morning break. We will have one instructor each morning on one of a variety of topics. These stimulating classes with intriguing speakers will be enlivened by post-session Q&A. Each group will rotate through all presentations during the program.

Lunch: In the hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Electives. There will be several electives to choose from.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room.

Evening: Entertainment. Like the movement for which it is named, Chautauqua has always valued the arts and entertainment. Details will be published when confirmed.

DAY
4
Morning Discourse & Discussion, Electives, Entertainment
Chautauqua, NY
B,L,D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Shuttles are available for those who wish to take them around the grounds. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Classes will continue at 9:00 a.m. as small groups rotate from one topic to another. During the break between morning classes, we will be able to order a box lunch for the end of the program.

Lunch: In the hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Electives. There will be several electives to choose from.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room.

Evening: Entertainment. The amazing range of entertainers and artists who have performed at Chautauqua over the years are in keeping with its founding principles of teaching and elevating the whole person.

DAY
5
Morning Discourse & Discussion, Electives, Entertainment
Chautauqua, NY
B,L,D
Athenaeum Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Classes will continue as small groups rotate from one topic to another. Each lecturer reserves time at the end of her/his presentation for questions and answers with members of the group, making for a lively interchange.

Lunch: In the hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Electives. There will be several electives to choose from.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: Enjoy a final evening of entertainment. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
6
Wrap-up Sessions, Program Concludes
Chautauqua, NY
B,L

Activity note: Hotel check-out 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: We will complete our rotation of classes and topics, with a mid-morning break between sessions.

Lunch: You may have your pre-ordered box lunch at the hotel or take away with you. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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