The Chautauqua Institution, founded in 1874 by an Akron Ohio inventor and a Methodist minister, is a summer retreat dedicated to the arts and continuing education. Based on the premise that everyone "has a right to be all that he can be -- to know all that he can know", the Institution, located about a three-hour drive from Cleveland, combines a relaxed country setting with excellent speakers, performers, and classes.
History:
The Chautauqua Institution was opened in 1874, founded by inventor Lewis Miller and John Heyl Vincent. It was one of the first non-profit arts communities in the country. The charming 19th century institution has attracted a variety of diverse resident artists and lecturers, including George Gershwin, Lucille Ball, and Horace Greeley. All presidents from U.S. Grant to Bill Clinton have given speeches at the Institution.
The Chautauqua Institution was opened in 1874, founded by inventor Lewis Miller and John Heyl Vincent. It was one of the first non-profit arts communities in the country. The charming 19th century institution has attracted a variety of diverse resident artists and lecturers, including George Gershwin, Lucille Ball, and Horace Greeley. All presidents from U.S. Grant to Bill Clinton have given speeches at the Institution.
The Chautauqua Institution:
The Chautauqua Institution is a non-profit continuing education center, dedicated to the arts. The institute hosts a nine-week summer learning program each summer from June through late August. Enrollees can choose to attend all or part of the program. In addition, day passes to the grounds are available. Classes and events cover a broad range of subjects, from current events to dance, music, and the visual arts.
The Chautauqua Institution is a non-profit continuing education center, dedicated to the arts. The institute hosts a nine-week summer learning program each summer from June through late August. Enrollees can choose to attend all or part of the program. In addition, day passes to the grounds are available. Classes and events cover a broad range of subjects, from current events to dance, music, and the visual arts.
The 750-acre Institution attracts an average of 7500 residents attend each season and over 145,000 people attend the public events. In addition to classes and performances, residents can enjoy the onsite golf course and watersports and the beach at Lake Chautauqua, located adjacent to the property.
Programs and Events:
The Chautauqua season is divided into nine weekly themes. The 2008 topics include "Healing the Globe," "Sport in America," "Faith in Public Life," "Roger Rosenblatt and Friends: On Writing," and "Ethical Frontiers of Science."
The Chautauqua season is divided into nine weekly themes. The 2008 topics include "Healing the Globe," "Sport in America," "Faith in Public Life," "Roger Rosenblatt and Friends: On Writing," and "Ethical Frontiers of Science."
The highlight of each day is the 10:45 am lecture, held in the 6000-seat amphitheater. The speakers for 2008 include Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the NFL; author, E.L. Doctorow; Garry Trudeau, creator of "Donnesbury;" John Meacham, author and editor for "Newsweek" magazine; and Tim Zagat, creator of the Zagat surveys and restaurant guides.
Religion at the Chautauqua Institution:
The Chautauqua Institution was co-founded by a Methodist minister and religion and theology still play a major role there. Each afternoon, there is a lecture on a religious theme. The focus is not just on Protestant beliefs, however. The Institution features a wide range of religious speakers, including Jewish and Muslims leaders. There are also a variety of ecumenical services and events throughout the season.
The Chautauqua Institution was co-founded by a Methodist minister and religion and theology still play a major role there. Each afternoon, there is a lecture on a religious theme. The focus is not just on Protestant beliefs, however. The Institution features a wide range of religious speakers, including Jewish and Muslims leaders. There are also a variety of ecumenical services and events throughout the season.
Children at Chautauqua:
Children have always been an important part of the Chautauqua Institution. In fact, they were a pioneer in nursery school education, opening Boys and Girls Club at Chautauqua in 1921. Today, the club still welcomes children from 3-5 years old. In addition, there are a number of educational, cultural, and sports activities for children of all ages.
Children have always been an important part of the Chautauqua Institution. In fact, they were a pioneer in nursery school education, opening Boys and Girls Club at Chautauqua in 1921. Today, the club still welcomes children from 3-5 years old. In addition, there are a number of educational, cultural, and sports activities for children of all ages.
Over 55 at Chautauqua:
The Chautauqua Institution offers several programs for older visitors. The "55 Plus" program offers a week of programs and events, dormitory-style accommodations, meals, and activities -- all at an affordable price. The Institution is also a member of the international Elder Hostel program.
The Chautauqua Institution offers several programs for older visitors. The "55 Plus" program offers a week of programs and events, dormitory-style accommodations, meals, and activities -- all at an affordable price. The Institution is also a member of the international Elder Hostel program.
Visiting the Chautauqua Institution:
The Chautauqua Institution is located approximately three hours from Cleveland by car, in western New York. Visitors can tour the Institution for the day or make reservations for a week or multi-week stay. Rates for a 2008 one week pass start at $325. Multi-week, season passes, and one-day passes are also available.
Because of its compact size, driving is restricted within the Chautauqua Institution complex. Ample parking is available at the edge of the Institution and guest may brings bicycles for a small registration fee.
Accommodations at Chautauqua
The Chautauqua Institution offers a wide variety of accommodations, including the gracious 19th century, Empire-style Antheneum Hotel, dormitories, cottages, and private homes. Most accommodations are rented by the week, usually from Saturday to Saturday.
Attractions Near the Chautauqua Institution
Chautauqua is located along scenic Lake Chautauqua, near Jamestown New York, Lake Erie, and many of Western New York's wineries. About 45 minutes away is Erie, Pennsylvania and the historic, cultural, and waterfront activities offered there. Buffalo and Niagara Falls are just three hours away.
(last updated 1-21-08)
The Chautauqua Institution is located approximately three hours from Cleveland by car, in western New York. Visitors can tour the Institution for the day or make reservations for a week or multi-week stay. Rates for a 2008 one week pass start at $325. Multi-week, season passes, and one-day passes are also available.
Because of its compact size, driving is restricted within the Chautauqua Institution complex. Ample parking is available at the edge of the Institution and guest may brings bicycles for a small registration fee.
Accommodations at Chautauqua
The Chautauqua Institution offers a wide variety of accommodations, including the gracious 19th century, Empire-style Antheneum Hotel, dormitories, cottages, and private homes. Most accommodations are rented by the week, usually from Saturday to Saturday.
Attractions Near the Chautauqua Institution
Chautauqua is located along scenic Lake Chautauqua, near Jamestown New York, Lake Erie, and many of Western New York's wineries. About 45 minutes away is Erie, Pennsylvania and the historic, cultural, and waterfront activities offered there. Buffalo and Niagara Falls are just three hours away.
(last updated 1-21-08)
