New York

The Chautauqua Experience in Summer

Program No. 20581RSBLOG
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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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.





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