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.

Enroll with Confidence

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

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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 July 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 trip experts
Profile Image
Marc Glassman
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.

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
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 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 Peter Wenz
Peter S Wenz View biography
Peter S. Wenz is one of those aging leftist, feminist, environmentalist vegetarians often seen jogging near universities. He was chosen as a University Scholar of the University of Illinois and is currently emeritus professor of Philosophy at the University of Illinois at Springfield. He received his bachelor’s in philosophy from now-SUNY Binghamton in 1967 and his Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Peter has held faculty positions at universities around the world and specializes in environmental ethics, medical ethics, constitutional law and political philosophy.
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
Aug 18 - Aug 24
  • Jun 23 - Jun 29
  • Jun 30 - Jul 06
  • Jul 07 - Jul 13
  • Jul 14 - Jul 20
  • Jul 21 - Jul 27
  • Jul 28 - Aug 03
  • Aug 04 - Aug 10
  • Aug 11 - Aug 17
  • Aug 18 - Aug 24
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Aug 18 - Aug 24, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This weeks theme is Rising Together: Our Century of Creativity and Collaboration with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra This weeks interfaith theme is All Rise: Save Us and Look Beyond
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Aug 18 - Aug 24
  • Jun 23 - Jun 29
  • Jun 30 - Jul 06
  • Jul 07 - Jul 13
  • Jul 14 - Jul 20
  • Jul 21 - Jul 27
  • Jul 28 - Aug 03
  • Aug 04 - Aug 10
  • Aug 11 - Aug 17
  • Aug 18 - Aug 24
Aug 18 - Aug 24, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This weeks theme is Rising Together: Our Century of Creativity and Collaboration with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra This weeks interfaith theme is All Rise: Save Us and Look Beyond
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.
Print All
Map details are not available for this location.
7 days
6 nights
15 meals
6 B 3 L 6 D
DAY
1
Registration, Reception, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Chautauqua, NY
D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby 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 on the hotel veranda (weather permitting) and enjoy including complimentary canapés, beer, wine, soft drinks, and aperitifs. This will be an excellent opportunity to meet fellow Road Scholars and share stories of learning adventures past.

Dinner: In the hotel parlor at 6:00 p.m. We will dine as a group at tables reserved for Road Scholar.

Evening: Orientation. Following dinner, the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead 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. Each full day of the program, we will have a Road Scholar exclusive lecture from 9:00-10:30 a.m. followed by a public lecture for the entire Chautauqua community in the Amphitheater — adjacent to the hotel — from 10:45 a.m. until Noon. There will be a choice of lectures and activities in the afternoons and an entertainment event in the evenings. Each program date will have a different theme and Road Scholar lecturer. Educational themes are typically announced in January. 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/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Everyone who would like to do so is welcome to attend the Sacred Song Service in the Amphitheater at 8:00 p.m., a beloved aspect of each Sunday during the Chautauqua season. The ecumenical service features the Chautauqua Choir, accompanied by the Massey Memorial Organ with its 5,640 pipes, performing a broad range of sacred music. The congregation is invited to join in singing the hymns, and the service lasts about an hour. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Road Scholar Class, Public Lecture, Electives, Performance
Chautauqua, NY
B,L,D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Extent of walking and other non-class activities according to personal choice. Shuttles and trams available to move around the grounds.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Road Scholar Class: 9:00-10:30 a.m. We’ll meet in the hotel parlor with our Road Scholar instructor in residence for this program, Marc Glassman. Public Lecture: 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater. Today Winton Marsalis' keynote address is titled "Speaking a Common Language Against the Cacophony of Sectarian Opportunism."

Lunch: In the hotel dining room. We will dine as a group at tables reserved for Road Scholar. Take this opportunity to discuss the morning lectures.

Afternoon: Interfaith Lecture Series: 2:00 p.m. in the Hall of Philosophy, sponsored by the Chautauqua Department of Religion. Todays' speaker is Miroslav Volf, Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School and the Founder and Director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture. Road Scholars are also welcome to choose from a variety of other lectures, classes, and recreational activities. For example, you may enjoy the 4:00 p.m. Monday chamber music series in Lenna Hall. Other possibilities include overviews of the Chautauqua campus by bus, exploring the campus independently, seeing what’s on at an art gallery, curling up with a book, or simply relaxing. Available recreational activities include lawn bowling, tennis, sailing, kayaking, nature walks, walking, running, golf, cycling, and use of gym facilities.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room.

Evening: Evening Entertainment: 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater.

DAY
3
Road Scholar Class, Public Lecture, Electives, Performance
Chautauqua, NY
B,D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Extent of walking and other non-class activities according to personal choice. Shuttles and trams available to move around the grounds.

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Road Scholar Class: 9:00-10:30 a.m. We’ll meet in the hotel parlor with our Road Scholar instructor in residence. Public Lecture: 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: Interfaith Lecture Series: 2:00 p.m. in the Hall of Philosophy, sponsored by the Chautauqua Department of Religion. Alternatively, you are welcome to choose from a variety of lectures, classes, exploring the Chautauqua campus, and recreational activities.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: Evening Entertainment: 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater.

DAY
4
Road Scholar Class, Public Lecture, Electives, Performance
Chautauqua, NY
B,L,D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Extent of walking and other non-class activities according to personal choice. Shuttles and trams available to move around the grounds.

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Road Scholar Class: 9:00-10:30 a.m. We’ll meet in the hotel parlor with our Road Scholar instructor in residence. Public Lecture: 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater.

Lunch: Hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Interfaith Lecture Series: 2:00 p.m. in the Hall of Philosophy, sponsored by the Chautauqua Department of Religion. Alternatively, you are welcome to choose from a variety of lectures, classes, exploring the Chautauqua campus, and recreational activities.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: Evening Entertainment: 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater. Tonight the performance of Winton Marsalis' All Rise will feature the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with the Music School Festival Orchestra and Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.

DAY
5
Road Scholar Class, Public Lecture, Electives, Performance
Chautauqua, NY
B,D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Extent of walking and other non-class activities according to personal choice. Shuttles and trams available to move around the grounds.

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Road Scholar Class: 9:00-10:30 a.m. We’ll meet in the hotel parlor with our Road Scholar instructor in residence. Public Lecture: 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater.

Lunch: On your own to have what you like from choices available on the Chautauqua grounds. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: Interfaith Lecture Series: 2:00 p.m. in the Hall of Philosophy, sponsored by the Chautauqua Department of Religion. Today's speaker is Ken Chitwood, religion scholar, journalist, and public theologian. Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle Lecture: 3:30 p.m. Alternatively, you are welcome to choose from a variety of lectures, classes, exploring the Chautauqua campus, and recreational activities.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: Evening Entertainment: 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater. Tonight is the concluding performance of Winton Marsalis' All Rise.

DAY
6
Road Scholar Class, Public Lecture, Electives, Performance
Chautauqua, NY
B,L,D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Extent of walking and other non-class activities according to personal choice. Shuttles and trams available to move around the grounds.

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Road Scholar Class: 9:00-10:30 AM. We’ll meet in the hotel parlor with our Road Scholar instructor in residence. Public Lecture: 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater.

Lunch: Hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Interfaith Lecture Series: 2:00 p.m. in the Hall of Philosophy, sponsored by the Chautauqua Department of Religion. Alternatively, you are welcome to choose from a variety of lectures, classes, exploring the Chautauqua campus, and recreational activities. Road Scholar reception: 5:00 p.m. We will gather on the hotel veranda (weather permitting) for a closing reception including complimentary canapés, beer, wine, soft drinks, and aperitifs. An excellent opportunity to discuss the ideas we have encountered at Chautauqua.

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

Evening: Evening Entertainment: 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater. Tonight's performance:. Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
7
Program Concludes
Chautauqua, NY
B

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

Breakfast: Hotel dining room. This concludes our program.

Morning: 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!






Recommended For You

loading spinner