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Georgia

Ragtime, Tin Pan Alley, Jazz & the Blues: A Millionaire’s Retreat on Jekyll

Program No. 8009RJ
Jekyll Island was once an exclusive destination for millionaires and political elite. Join us at the historic Jekyll Island Club for an adventure of learning and island exploration.

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At a Glance

Spend a week with two of the country's leading authorities and performers in the field of Ragtime, Dixieland and turn-of-the century popular music. Learn about great musicians like Scott Joplin, W. C. Handy, Irving Berlin, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller and others, and immerse yourself in the music with live piano, flute and vocal performances of the tunes for which these artists are best remembered. Also explore Jekyll Island – one of Georgia’s southernmost barrier islands – home to the famous Jekyll Island Club, the exclusive and lavish resort where families like the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts once wintered.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Standing for on-site lectures, getting on/off a tram and boat during excursions. At the hotel, there are steps leading from the Bellstand to the veranda at the entrance (there is a handicap lift available). There are also 4 steps leading to the front desk. There is a gift shop at the hotel that has steps as well, which include 3 steps up and 3 steps down.

What You'll Learn

  • During your stay, learn the history of the extravagant Jekyll Island Club Hotel, formerly one of the most exclusive clubs in America which counted Morgans, Rockefellers and Vanderbilts among its members.
  • Learn from one of American’s leading authorities and performers of Ragtime, Dixieland and other popular turn-of-the-century music with live performances and engaging lectures.
  • Learn about Jekyll Island's rich history and ecology on a guided trolley tour through the National Landmark Historic District and a guided boat tour along the pristine Georgia coastline.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Jeff Barnhart
Jeff Barnhart is an internationally renowned pianist, vocalist, arranger, bandleader, recording artist, ASCAP composer, educator and entertainer. Jeff began his professional career at age 14 playing and entertaining four nights a week in a restaurant in Connecticut. In addition, he has lead two bands in the UK: the Fryer-Barnhart International Jazz Band and Jeff Barnhart’s British Band, which performs small group swing of the 30’s. Jeff enjoys performing with smaller groups, most notably Ivory&Gold®, a group he co-leads with his wife, Anne Barnhart.

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

Profile Image of JoAnn Buisson
JoAnn Buisson View biography
JoAnn Buisson is a retired elementary school teacher from Boston, Mass. After college, she was employed as a nursery school teacher until 1981. She remained at home until 1994 in order to raise her children. In 1994, JoAnn accepted a position with a local elementary school as an art teacher, eventually retiring in 2014. Upon retirement, she moved to Jekyll Island with her husband. She continues her interest in the arts, taking several classes in pottery.
Profile Image of Jeff Barnhart
Jeff Barnhart View biography
Jeff Barnhart is an internationally renowned pianist, vocalist, arranger, bandleader, recording artist, ASCAP composer, educator and entertainer. Jeff began his professional career at age 14 playing and entertaining four nights a week in a restaurant in Connecticut. In addition, he has lead two bands in the UK: the Fryer-Barnhart International Jazz Band and Jeff Barnhart’s British Band, which performs small group swing of the 30’s. Jeff enjoys performing with smaller groups, most notably Ivory&Gold®, a group he co-leads with his wife, Anne Barnhart.
Profile Image of Anne Barnhart
Anne Barnhart View biography
Anne Barnhart is a flutist and vocalist who has musical experiences with Ivory&Gold® have taken her around the world. Her performances have been enjoyed from coast to coast in the US and abroad the world. When she is onstage, audiences are dazzled by her technique, awed by her tone and enthralled with her timing when bantering with her husband, pianist Jeff Barnhart. Anne is also a gifted educator, having taught hundreds of students over the past 30 years. Anne holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music.
Meals
12 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024
  • Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024
  • Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024
  • Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024
  • Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 08, 2024
  • Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024
  • Jan 26, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025
  • Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
  • Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
  • Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
  • Nov 23, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025
  • Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
5 nights
Jekyll Island
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is Jekyll Island's only 4-star resort and National Historic Landmark. Nestled amid live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this Victorian landmark enjoys a setting of unspoiled natural beauty on Jekyll Island. The island is protected from extensive development by the state of Georgia and has miles of beaches and forest waiting to be explored. Here, millionaires wintered in scenic seclusion for decades, enjoying many amenities and privileges. The club was returned to its original elegance, highlighted by leaded art glass windows, ornate woodwork, and Rumford fireplaces. From its lofty tower to encircling verandas, Victorian charm still permeates the public areas and rooms once occupied by America’s wealthiest families. The Club's guest rooms and suites have been custom-decorated in a style befitting the elegance presumed by the original socialite owners. This historic hotel serves not only as lodging for the program’s participants; it is itself part of the course of study.
5 nights
Jekyll Island
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is Jekyll Island's only 4-star resort and National Historic Landmark. Nestled amid live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this Victorian landmark enjoys a setting of unspoiled natural beauty on Jekyll Island. The island is protected from extensive development by the state of Georgia and has miles of beaches and forest waiting to be explored. Here, millionaires wintered in scenic seclusion for decades, enjoying many amenities and privileges. The club was returned to its original elegance, highlighted by leaded art glass windows, ornate woodwork, and Rumford fireplaces. From its lofty tower to encircling verandas, Victorian charm still permeates the public areas and rooms once occupied by America’s wealthiest families. The Club's guest rooms and suites have been custom-decorated in a style befitting the elegance presumed by the original socialite owners. This historic hotel serves not only as lodging for the program’s participants; it is itself part of the course of study.
5 nights
Jekyll Island
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is Jekyll Island's only 4-star resort and National Historic Landmark. Nestled amid live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this Victorian landmark enjoys a setting of unspoiled natural beauty on Jekyll Island. The island is protected from extensive development by the state of Georgia and has miles of beaches and forest waiting to be explored. Here, millionaires wintered in scenic seclusion for decades, enjoying many amenities and privileges. The club was returned to its original elegance, highlighted by leaded art glass windows, ornate woodwork, and Rumford fireplaces. From its lofty tower to encircling verandas, Victorian charm still permeates the public areas and rooms once occupied by America’s wealthiest families. The Club's guest rooms and suites have been custom-decorated in a style befitting the elegance presumed by the original socialite owners. This historic hotel serves not only as lodging for the program’s participants; it is itself part of the course of study.
5 nights
Jekyll Island
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is Jekyll Island's only 4-star resort and National Historic Landmark. Nestled amid live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this Victorian landmark enjoys a setting of unspoiled natural beauty on Jekyll Island. The island is protected from extensive development by the state of Georgia and has miles of beaches and forest waiting to be explored. Here, millionaires wintered in scenic seclusion for decades, enjoying many amenities and privileges. The club was returned to its original elegance, highlighted by leaded art glass windows, ornate woodwork, and Rumford fireplaces. From its lofty tower to encircling verandas, Victorian charm still permeates the public areas and rooms once occupied by America’s wealthiest families. The Club's guest rooms and suites have been custom-decorated in a style befitting the elegance presumed by the original socialite owners. This historic hotel serves not only as lodging for the program’s participants; it is itself part of the course of study.
5 nights
Jekyll Island
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is Jekyll Island's only 4-star resort and National Historic Landmark. Nestled amid live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this Victorian landmark enjoys a setting of unspoiled natural beauty on Jekyll Island. The island is protected from extensive development by the state of Georgia and has miles of beaches and forest waiting to be explored. Here, millionaires wintered in scenic seclusion for decades, enjoying many amenities and privileges. The club was returned to its original elegance, highlighted by leaded art glass windows, ornate woodwork, and Rumford fireplaces. From its lofty tower to encircling verandas, Victorian charm still permeates the public areas and rooms once occupied by America’s wealthiest families. The Club's guest rooms and suites have been custom-decorated in a style befitting the elegance presumed by the original socialite owners. This historic hotel serves not only as lodging for the program’s participants; it is itself part of the course of study.
5 nights
Jekyll Island
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is Jekyll Island's only 4-star resort and National Historic Landmark. Nestled amid live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this Victorian landmark enjoys a setting of unspoiled natural beauty on Jekyll Island. The island is protected from extensive development by the state of Georgia and has miles of beaches and forest waiting to be explored. Here, millionaires wintered in scenic seclusion for decades, enjoying many amenities and privileges. The club was returned to its original elegance, highlighted by leaded art glass windows, ornate woodwork, and Rumford fireplaces. From its lofty tower to encircling verandas, Victorian charm still permeates the public areas and rooms once occupied by America’s wealthiest families. The Club's guest rooms and suites have been custom-decorated in a style befitting the elegance presumed by the original socialite owners. This historic hotel serves not only as lodging for the program’s participants; it is itself part of the course of study.
5 nights
Jekyll Island
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is Jekyll Island's only 4-star resort and National Historic Landmark. Nestled amid live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this Victorian landmark enjoys a setting of unspoiled natural beauty on Jekyll Island. The island is protected from extensive development by the state of Georgia and has miles of beaches and forest waiting to be explored. Here, millionaires wintered in scenic seclusion for decades, enjoying many amenities and privileges. The club was returned to its original elegance, highlighted by leaded art glass windows, ornate woodwork, and Rumford fireplaces. From its lofty tower to encircling verandas, Victorian charm still permeates the public areas and rooms once occupied by America’s wealthiest families. The Club's guest rooms and suites have been custom-decorated in a style befitting the elegance presumed by the original socialite owners. This historic hotel serves not only as lodging for the program’s participants; it is itself part of the course of study.
5 nights
Jekyll Island
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is Jekyll Island's only 4-star resort and National Historic Landmark. Nestled amid live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this Victorian landmark enjoys a setting of unspoiled natural beauty on Jekyll Island. The island is protected from extensive development by the state of Georgia and has miles of beaches and forest waiting to be explored. Here, millionaires wintered in scenic seclusion for decades, enjoying many amenities and privileges. The club was returned to its original elegance, highlighted by leaded art glass windows, ornate woodwork, and Rumford fireplaces. From its lofty tower to encircling verandas, Victorian charm still permeates the public areas and rooms once occupied by America’s wealthiest families. The Club's guest rooms and suites have been custom-decorated in a style befitting the elegance presumed by the original socialite owners. This historic hotel serves not only as lodging for the program’s participants; it is itself part of the course of study.
5 nights
Jekyll Island
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is Jekyll Island's only 4-star resort and National Historic Landmark. Nestled amid live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this Victorian landmark enjoys a setting of unspoiled natural beauty on Jekyll Island. The island is protected from extensive development by the state of Georgia and has miles of beaches and forest waiting to be explored. Here, millionaires wintered in scenic seclusion for decades, enjoying many amenities and privileges. The club was returned to its original elegance, highlighted by leaded art glass windows, ornate woodwork, and Rumford fireplaces. From its lofty tower to encircling verandas, Victorian charm still permeates the public areas and rooms once occupied by America’s wealthiest families. The Club's guest rooms and suites have been custom-decorated in a style befitting the elegance presumed by the original socialite owners. This historic hotel serves not only as lodging for the program’s participants; it is itself part of the course of study.
5 nights
Jekyll Island
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is Jekyll Island's only 4-star resort and National Historic Landmark. Nestled amid live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this Victorian landmark enjoys a setting of unspoiled natural beauty on Jekyll Island. The island is protected from extensive development by the state of Georgia and has miles of beaches and forest waiting to be explored. Here, millionaires wintered in scenic seclusion for decades, enjoying many amenities and privileges. The club was returned to its original elegance, highlighted by leaded art glass windows, ornate woodwork, and Rumford fireplaces. From its lofty tower to encircling verandas, Victorian charm still permeates the public areas and rooms once occupied by America’s wealthiest families. The Club's guest rooms and suites have been custom-decorated in a style befitting the elegance presumed by the original socialite owners. This historic hotel serves not only as lodging for the program’s participants; it is itself part of the course of study.





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