Dear Chautauquans, 

As we prepare to gather with friends and family for Thanksgiving Day, I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on the spirit of our beloved Chautauqua Institution. 

In a year that has presented both challenges and triumphs, I am thankful for the resilience and strength our community has demonstrated in tandem with care and support. Chautauqua has always been a place of connection, learning, and inspiration, and in these times, we have leaned on these pillars to navigate the ever-changing landscape of our world. 

I am grateful for the unwavering commitment of our patrons, staff, volunteers and the entire Chautauqua family. Your dedication to fostering a place of intellectual exploration, artistic expression and spiritual growth has been the driving force behind our continued success. 

In this season of Thanksgiving, let us cherish the moments of togetherness, the shared laughter and the bonds formed within these sacred grounds. May the spirit of gratitude fill our hearts, and may we carry the lessons learned and the connections made into the coming year. May we also keep close in our hearts those suffering from terrorism, violence, and strife in too many places in the world, as we pray for peace here and abroad. 

Wishing you all a joyous Thanksgiving filled with love, warmth and the spirit of Chautauqua. 

With gratitude, 

President Michael E. Hill 
Chautauqua Institution