In late March, when Chautauqua still feels locked in the cold embrace of winter, a sign of springtime renewal appears in the sky above us. Having traveled thousands of miles from their wintering grounds in Central or South America, mating pairs of Osprey have returned to Chautauqua Lake. Their appearance is even more remarkable considering that Osprey were nearly wiped out by the devastating effects of DDT. It was only in 2021 that a pair successfully nested and raised a chick near the shores of Chautauqua Lake. As of spring 2024, multiple nesting pairs are now in the region. Osprey...
It all started with trash in the woods. It was the summer of 1970 when I instigated a litter cleanup at camp, after seeing our beloved forest despoiled by careless hikers. It was a powerful moment for me, feeling that even as a child I could make the world a little better. It set me on a lifelong path of environmental advocacy. My budding environmentalism did not come out of the blue. Earlier in 1970, before heading off to summer camp, something remarkable happened that made us all grapple with our impact on the Earth. On April 22, 1970, 20...
Climate change impacts are unfolding across the globe, affecting every community, ecosystem and institution in countless ways. At Chautauqua, we understand the importance of engaging with these challenges head-on. Our commitment to environmental sustainability lies in our dedicated efforts to preserve Chautauqua Lake and a growing desire to facilitate discussions that spark a collective effort toward positive change, on Earth Day and every day. In Weeks Four and Eight of our 2024 season, we recognize the urgent need to explore creative solutions to combat climate change, and -invite visitors to join us on the path to a more sustainable future...
On behalf of Chautauqua Institution and our community members, I offer congratulations to Sir Salman Rushdie on the release of his memoir, "Knife." His story of incredible courage and resolve demonstrates the power of his craft — the written word — in healing and combating hate in all its forms. He has inspired us with, as he wrote, his “second chance at life,” as he concentrates on love and work.
Chautauqua Institution today announced a series of events, activities and initiatives that will be part of the quintessential Chautauqua experience in the summer of 2024 to commemorate and celebrate the Institution’s 150th Anniversary. Organized around the theme The Seasons and Stories of Chautauqua, the anniversary calendar celebrates the dream of our founders, Lewis Miller and Bishop John Heyl Vincent, who together understood the importance of education across a lifetime. Their vision for Chautauqua called for Americans to make their leisure time matter by intentionally engaging in interdisciplinary and intergenerational learning and personal growth experiences. That vision has framed the main...
April blooms with words and rhythm as we celebrate National Poetry Month! Every line and stanza invites you into a universe woven with emotions, colors, and imaginations running wild. We’re celebrating Poetry Month at Chautauqua by highlighting former Interfaith Lecturer, poet Jillian Hanesworth, and Chautauqua Literary Arts’ beloved Poetry Makerspace. Read on as we celebrate, explore and share the power of poetry that connects us all, one verse at a time. CHQ Assembly Speaker Spotlight Jillian Hanesworth Jillian Hanesworth is an EMMY award-nominated spoken word artist, and the first Poet Laureate Emeritus of Buffalo, New York. A community organizer and...
Chautauqua Institution today announced the appointment of Joseph Futral to Senior Director of Program Operations and Production. In this role, Futral will project-manage major initiatives that involve production and programming resources. He will supervise production for all programs to continuously advance the operational and strategic aspects of production within the context of the Institution’s 150 Forward strategic plan. Futral returns to Chautauqua having served as the Institution’s first Director of Production during the COVID-19 pandemic. His role played a critical part in designing and operating our outdoor Performance Pavilion on Pratt for Theater and Opera. Holding esteemed leadership roles such...
For 150 years, we have welcomed generations of Chautaquans from around the world into our diverse and dynamic community. At Chautauqua, we take pride in our community and all its members, striving to provide a unique and exciting experience to all who visit. As part of our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all, we are constantly working to make our grounds more accessible to everyone. That’s why we’re delighted to continue our tradition of Free Sundays every Sunday in our 2024 season! With no gate fees, no parking fees before 5 p.m., and free admission to Sunday entertainment,...
“It’s showtime today!” were the magical words that greeted the Chautauqua Arts Education Young Playwrights Project team members as they visited the schools to read plays written by Chautauqua County 3rd and 4th grade students. This year over 400 students worked to write 378 plays that shared a broad view of the world through the hearts and minds of these young students. The Young Playwrights Project (YPP) began in 2014 in collaboration with the Florida Studio Theater in Sarasota, Florida and has since evolved to a close partnership with Chautauqua Theater Company (CTC) and developed further by Syracuse University acting faculty...
Chautauqua Institution today announced the appointment of Jill McCormick to the position of Director of Communications and Special Projects. In this role, McCormick will be responsible for developing and implementing communications plans to inform the public, news media, and internal audiences of Chautauqua’s programs and operations, bringing Chautauqua’s compelling mission to life through story. She will also serve as project manager for Chautauqua Travels, a new venture that brings Chautauqua’s mission to educational group travel experiences in the U.S. and abroad. McCormick comes to Chautauqua following a successful, 30+ year career in television news, serving in a variety of roles including...
