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New York

The Chautauqua Experience in Summer

Program No. 20581RJ
Founded in 1874, the Chautauqua Institution is a celebration of art, history and culture. Join us for classes, lectures and performances, all in a uniquely American lakeside village.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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itinerary
Please Note:
The itinerary for this program is different on certain dates.
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

No shuttle Shuttle Gate Pass
Accommodation Details

Excludes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location.

Accommodation Details

Includes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location.

Accommodation Details

Participants ages 90 and above receive a free gate pass at the Chautauqua Institution.

Filling Fast!
Jul 9 - Jul 15, 2023
No transfer 2,799
Roundtrip airport transfer 2,899
 
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is Can the Center Hold? — A Question for Our Moment. The center is many things, but is it foundational to a functioning society, or a construct that too often holds us back from progress and change? Does losing the center give way to extremism? In this week we consider who and what defines the center of society and why — or if — the center should be preserved. Noted speakers are former Chief of Staff to the Vice President Bill Kristol.

Jul 16 - Jul 22, 2023
SOLD OUT
No transfer 2,799
Roundtrip airport transfer 2,899
Free Gate Pass 2,099
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is The State of Believing. What can science, religion, public opinion and politics teach us about the nature of what we believe, and why we believe it? In this week, we confront some of the hardest questions about ourselves, each other, and the world we must live in together.

Filling Fast!
Jul 23 - Jul 29, 2023
No transfer 2,799
Roundtrip airport transfer 2,899
Free Gate Pass 2,099
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is Infrastructure: Building and Maintaining the Physical, Social and Civic Underpinnings of Society. We’ll discuss the usual — the planes, trains and automobiles of our youthful fascinations, as well as roads, bridges, utilities and the like — but also ask whether our definition of “infrastructure” needs to be expanded. And what does the infrastructure of the future look like, and which places are leading the way (and how?)?

Jul 30 - Aug 5, 2023
SOLD OUT
No transfer 2,799
Roundtrip airport transfer 2,899
Free Gate Pass 2,199
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is A Life of Literature. Steeped in Chautauqua’s 150-year literary tradition, this week we explore the life of literature and how the literature of tomorrow is being shaped today.

Aug 6 - Aug 12, 2023
SOLD OUT
No transfer 2,799
Roundtrip airport transfer 2,899
Free Gate Pass 2,099
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is The National Parks: How America’s ‘Best Idea’ is Meeting 21st-Century Challenges. From addressing conservation issues to stewarding our cultural and natural histories, how are national parks — and, in turn, we as citizens — modeling how to meet the challenges of our times? Most importantly, how can the national parks rise to the call to make public lands truly accessible to all Americans? Noted speaker is American science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson.

Aug 13 - Aug 19, 2023
SOLD OUT
No transfer 2,799
Roundtrip airport transfer 2,899
Free Gate Pass 2,099
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is Freedom of Expression, Imagination and the Resilience of Democracy. Explore freedom of expression to better understand and appreciate its role in preserving and advancing democracy. Explore imagination and intergenerational experiences in art, religion, education and recreation. Join us for a celebration of diverse perspectives of democracy's values and privileges.

Filling Fast!
Aug 20 - Aug 26, 2023
No transfer 2,799
Roundtrip airport transfer 2,899
Free Gate Pass 2,099
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is the Global South: Expanding the Scope of Geopolitical Understanding. A new geopolitical shorthand has emerged in recent years: The Global North and the Global South have replaced old constructs of East and West, third-world and first-world. We examine how interconnected global interests truly are, and present a renewed focus on this often-overlooked geopolitical collective. We will also celebrate in a festival atmosphere the culture and history of the Global South through unique food and artistic offerings. This week includes Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo, and Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan.

Jun 23 - Jun 29, 2024
No transfer 2,949
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,099
Free Gate Pass 2,299
Jun 30 - Jul 6, 2024
No transfer 2,949
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,099
Free Gate Pass 2,299
Jul 14 - Jul 20, 2024
No transfer 2,949
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,099
Free Gate Pass 2,299
Jul 21 - Jul 27, 2024
No transfer 2,949
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,099
Free Gate Pass 2,299
Jul 28 - Aug 3, 2024
No transfer 2,949
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,099
Free Gate Pass 2,299
Aug 4 - Aug 10, 2024
No transfer 2,949
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,099
Free Gate Pass 2,299
Aug 11 - Aug 17, 2024
No transfer 2,949
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,099
Free Gate Pass 2,299
Aug 18 - Aug 24, 2024
No transfer 2,949
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,099
Free Gate Pass 2,299

DATES & PRICES

Gate Pass No shuttle Shuttle
Accommodation Details

Participants ages 90 and above receive a free gate pass at the Chautauqua Institution.

Accommodation Details

Excludes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location.

Accommodation Details

Includes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location.

Filling Fast!
Jul 9 - Jul 15, 2023
Free Gate Pass 2,349
No transfer 3,059
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,159
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is Can the Center Hold? — A Question for Our Moment. The center is many things, but is it foundational to a functioning society, or a construct that too often holds us back from progress and change? Does losing the center give way to extremism? In this week we consider who and what defines the center of society and why — or if — the center should be preserved. Noted speakers are former Chief of Staff to the Vice President Bill Kristol.

Jul 16 - Jul 22, 2023
SOLD OUT
Free Gate Pass 2,349
No transfer 3,059
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,159
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is The State of Believing. What can science, religion, public opinion and politics teach us about the nature of what we believe, and why we believe it? In this week, we confront some of the hardest questions about ourselves, each other, and the world we must live in together.

Filling Fast!
Jul 23 - Jul 29, 2023
Free Gate Pass 2,349
No transfer 3,059
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,159
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is Infrastructure: Building and Maintaining the Physical, Social and Civic Underpinnings of Society. We’ll discuss the usual — the planes, trains and automobiles of our youthful fascinations, as well as roads, bridges, utilities and the like — but also ask whether our definition of “infrastructure” needs to be expanded. And what does the infrastructure of the future look like, and which places are leading the way (and how?)?

Jul 30 - Aug 5, 2023
SOLD OUT
Free Gate Pass 2,449
No transfer 3,059
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,159
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is A Life of Literature. Steeped in Chautauqua’s 150-year literary tradition, this week we explore the life of literature and how the literature of tomorrow is being shaped today.

Aug 6 - Aug 12, 2023
SOLD OUT
Free Gate Pass 2,349
No transfer 3,059
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,159
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is The National Parks: How America’s ‘Best Idea’ is Meeting 21st-Century Challenges. From addressing conservation issues to stewarding our cultural and natural histories, how are national parks — and, in turn, we as citizens — modeling how to meet the challenges of our times? Most importantly, how can the national parks rise to the call to make public lands truly accessible to all Americans? Noted speaker is American science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson.

Aug 13 - Aug 19, 2023
SOLD OUT
Free Gate Pass 2,349
No transfer 3,059
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,159
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is Freedom of Expression, Imagination and the Resilience of Democracy. Explore freedom of expression to better understand and appreciate its role in preserving and advancing democracy. Explore imagination and intergenerational experiences in art, religion, education and recreation. Join us for a celebration of diverse perspectives of democracy's values and privileges.

Filling Fast!
Aug 20 - Aug 26, 2023
Free Gate Pass 2,349
No transfer 3,059
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,159
Itinerary Note

This week's Chautauqua theme is the Global South: Expanding the Scope of Geopolitical Understanding. A new geopolitical shorthand has emerged in recent years: The Global North and the Global South have replaced old constructs of East and West, third-world and first-world. We examine how interconnected global interests truly are, and present a renewed focus on this often-overlooked geopolitical collective. We will also celebrate in a festival atmosphere the culture and history of the Global South through unique food and artistic offerings. This week includes Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo, and Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan.

Jun 23 - Jun 29, 2024
Free Gate Pass 2,569
No transfer 3,219
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,369
Jun 30 - Jul 6, 2024
Free Gate Pass 2,569
No transfer 3,219
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,369
Jul 14 - Jul 20, 2024
Free Gate Pass 2,569
No transfer 3,219
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,369
Jul 21 - Jul 27, 2024
Free Gate Pass 2,569
No transfer 3,219
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,369
Jul 28 - Aug 3, 2024
Free Gate Pass 2,569
No transfer 3,219
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,369
Aug 4 - Aug 10, 2024
Free Gate Pass 2,569
No transfer 3,219
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,369
Aug 11 - Aug 17, 2024
Free Gate Pass 2,569
No transfer 3,219
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,369
Aug 18 - Aug 24, 2024
Free Gate Pass 2,569
No transfer 3,219
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,369

At a Glance

Chautauqua is a unique institution due to the confluence of people and performers, viewpoints and cultures, art forms, theories and theologies. Summer programs focus on a mix of timeless and contemporary topics throughout the week, such as art, music, literature, nature, history, politics, law and religions. Come and learn for yourself why the Chautauqua experience is so very special.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one mile on uneven terrain.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Hear from notable experts during morning classes exclusively for our Road Scholar group.
  • Your tuition includes a Chautauqua gate ticket admitting you to Amphitheater lectures featuring world-class speakers plus numerous options each day for recitals, talks, nature walks and much more.
  • Each evening offers a dazzling array of entertainment events.

General Notes

Please check back in January for a list of the upcoming year’s themes. A discounted option is available for participants age 90 or older. Please call for details. To book any additional nights, please contact reservations at the Athenaeum Hotel 800-821-1881 or 716-357-4444. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Jimmy Kolker
Ambassador Jimmy Kolker is a Foreign Service Officer who achieved a second career as a leading expert on the intersection of diplomacy and global health. He helped lead the U.S. government's response to AIDS, Ebola and Zika. He had a 30-year career with the U.S. Department of State, serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso (1999-2002) and to Uganda (2002-2005). From 2005-2007, he was Deputy U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, leading the implementation of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

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

Profile Image of Marc Glassman
Marc Glassman View biography
Marc Glassman has promoted independent film and documentaries from his Toronto home. Founder of the Images Festival and board member for Cinematheque Ontario, Marc is also editor-in-chief of POV, Canada’s premier independent film magazine, as well as major contributor to Playback, Take One and Montage, the magazine of Canada’s Director Guild. When not contributing to publications, Marc is also a bookstore owner, reviewer for CMX-FM 96.3 and promoting the Toronto film industry.
Profile Image of Molly Williamson
Molly Williamson View biography
A retired Foreign Service officer who served six U.S. presidents, Molly Williamson 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 scholar with the Middle East Institute, a member of Georgetown University’s MSFS oral boards, and a board member of the American Foreign Service Association and American Academy of Diplomacy.
Profile Image of Ori Soltes
Ori Z. Soltes View biography
Dr. Ori Soltes teaches theology, philosophy and art history at Georgetown University. He has also taught across diverse disciplines for many years at The Johns Hopkins University, Cleveland State University, Case Western Reserve University, Siegel College in Cleveland, and other colleges and universities. He has lectured at dozens of museums across the country, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and has been interviewed for a score of programs on CNN, the History Channel and Discovery Channel. He also hosted a popular series on Ancient Civilizations for middle school students. For seven years, Ori was director and chief curator of the B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum, where he created over 80 exhibitions focusing on aspects of history, ethnography and contemporary art. As director of the National Jewish Museum, he co-founded the Holocaust Art Restitution Project and has spent ten years researching and consulting on the issue of Nazi-plundered art.
Profile Image of Beverly Wightman
Beverly Wightman View biography
Beverly Wightman worked most of her career in the textbook-publishing field. She has spent nearly 20 years in Chautauqua’s Special Studies Department. A Road Scholar Group Leader for seven years, Beverly’s interests include travel, reading and church activities.
Profile Image of Kay Hutton
Kay Hutton View biography
Kay Hutton is a lifelong Chautauquan who has spent many years as an English teacher at the high school and collegiate level. She currently teaches dyslexic children in State College, Pa., where she resides with her husband. A longtime Group Leader at Chautauqua, Kay is trained in the Chinese vital-energy discipline of Qigong, as well as holistic healing.
Profile Image of Donna Scheule
Donna Scheule View biography
J.D., Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley. Faculty member, Dept. of Criminology, Law and Society, UC Irvine; UCI Lecturer of the Year, 2013; widely published in California history. More than 30 years of teaching experience, including UCLA, USC and CWRU. Has provided commentary in media outlets such as The New York Times and RT television on the gun control debate.
Profile Image of Phil Shull
Phil Shull View biography
Philip A. 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. Mr. Shull's work maximizing exports of U.S. food and agricultural products and promoting global food security included 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.
Profile Image of Jimmy Kolker
Jimmy Kolker View biography
Ambassador Jimmy Kolker is a Foreign Service Officer who achieved a second career as a leading expert on the intersection of diplomacy and global health. He helped lead the U.S. government's response to AIDS, Ebola and Zika. He had a 30-year career with the U.S. Department of State, serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso (1999-2002) and to Uganda (2002-2005). From 2005-2007, he was Deputy U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, leading the implementation of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Profile Image of David Lamfrom
David Lamfrom View biography
David Lamfrom, the Vice President of Regional Programs at The National Parks Conversation Association, uses his passion and knowledge of our natural, cultural, and historical resources to inspire others to learn about and protect our national parks. As a graduate of the New College of Florida, David has had the opportunity to conduct a significant study in the fields of ecology, herpetology, foreign languages, Native American studies, and art. He is published as an author and wildlife photographer in several issues of Wild South magazine.





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.