Chautauqua Institution is the recipient of the 2010 Silver Award from the International Awards for Livable Communities. Endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme, the LivCom Awards is the world’s only awards competition focusing on international best practice regarding the management of the local environment.
Designated both a National Historic District because of the characteristics of Chautauqua, the place, it is also designated as a National Historic Landmark because of its contribution to American culture. Chautauqua joined seven other iconic American places as the recipient of the Heritage Award from the Urban Land Institute.
In presenting the award ULI stated “If the physical archetype for traditional neighborhood developments in the United States is colonial Charleston, Savannah, or Annapolis, the holistic prototype has always been Chautauqua…Its appeal derives not from its historical quaintness, but from its relevance to life today.”
Chautauqua Institution has also been honored by the American Institute of Architects for its commitment to historic preservation and by Chautauqua County for its leadership role in innovative energy-saving techniques.
Smith Memorial Library
The Smith Memorial Library of Chautauqua Institution anchors the southern end of Bestor Plaza.
Chautauqua Advocates
Chautauqua Advocates are a group of dedicated Chautauquans that host local gatherings and share their Chautauqua experiences with friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
Women's Club
The Chautauqua Women's Club was organized in 1899 for literary, education and religious purposes and continues to provide a variety of programming.
Cohen Recording Studio
The state-of-the-art Cohen Recording Studio located on the lower level of Smith Memorial Library.
Bird, Tree & Garden Club
Founded in 1913, the purpose of the Chautauqua Bird, Tree & Garden Club is to help keep Chautauqua beautiful.
Cinema
Located in historic Higgins Hall on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution and curated by the same family for three generations, the Chautauqua Cinema is a one-of-a-kind, movie-going experience.
Chautauqua Trail
Chautauqua was a social and cultural phenomenon that permeated rural North America until the mid-1920s. Today only a handful of Chautauqua communities survive.