One hundred and fifty-two years ago, the Chautauqua Institution in upstate New York was established as a summer educational program for Methodist Sunday school teachers. Over the years the institution has developed into a world-renown retreat for scholars and artists to explore, discuss and dialogue about important and current topics.
Each week of the nine-week summer season is given a topic or theme, and the institution strives to bring scholars and researchers to provide intellectual stimulation and discourse.
This summer’s week two theme, which runs from July 4-11, is “Breaking the News–Charting a New Media Landscape.” Scheduled guest speakers include Chuck Todd, former NBC moderator of Meet the Press, and Paula Kerger, president and CEO of PBS. Neil deGrasse Tyson is also scheduled to appear that week.
The Chautauqua Institution is a 750-acre campus located along Lake Chautauqua. The site is about a 90-minute drive south of Buffalo, New York. If you are traveling, the nearest airports are Buffalo and Erie, Pennsylvania. The nearest AMTRAK station is in Buffalo.
In the past, Chautauqua Institution has offered “Chautauqua Assembly,” a subscription service that has allowed subscribers to view programs online via a YouTube channel. For ticket and lodging information, go to CHQ.org.