Dear Chautauquans, As the autumn leaves finish their descent onto Bestor Plaza, it signifies our annual ritual of Thanksgiving in the United States. This year feels especially momentous, as we remember the events celebrating the 150th anniversary of our beloved Chautauqua Institution. For a century and a half, Chautauqua has been a place where minds and hearts converge, where intellectual curiosity, artistic brilliance, and spiritual growth come together. This milestone reminds us of the enduring strength of our community—built on a legacy of connection, learning, and shared purpose. For that and so much more, we are grateful. It strikes me...
“Sabbath, Shabbat and Sabbatical: A Recipe for the Next 150 Years” Dr. Michael E. Hill, 18th President of Chautauqua Institution Good evening, Chautauqua. This year marks my eighth time presiding over this closing service that concludes our Summer Assembly, and I hope I never lose the wonder and awe that is created by Joshua Stafford, the Massey Organ, and Largo. It’s a deeply unfair act to follow, and yet, like Groundhog’s Day, I find myself here again. Thank you, Josh, and our amazing choir for the blessing you have been all summer. We have spent an entire summer celebrating Chautauqua’s...
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.
Featured from Buffalo News As part of this year’s State of the State address, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul pledged to dedicate vital resources to help protect and rehabilitate some of our region’s most precious waterways – including Chautauqua Lake. This is welcome news for those who visit and make Chautauqua County their year-round home, but also for those who understand the importance of New York’s beautiful lakes to the state’s culture, ecosystem, and economy. Each is a vital part of our identity, and we applaud Hochul’s push for science-based conservation efforts to improve these treasures for generations to come. ...
Dear Chautauqua Family, Lately, I’ve been thinking about the importance of being present and cherishing the special moments that define our lives. As I enter this holiday season, rich with traditions and rituals, I’m inspired to actively embrace the present moment. Let’s all take the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in our communities and families, welcoming the joy that surrounds us. I am particularly reminded of what a privilege it is to do so, with so much of our world struggling with violence and tragedy; those people and situations are also very present in my heart and prayers. In this...
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 DUALITY OF PRIDE Foundry United Methodist ChurchPride Sunday, June 11, 2023Dr. Michael E. Hill President, Chautauqua Institution Good morning. Will you pray with me? May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to you, oh Lord, for you are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. I have heard Pastor Ginger and countless other pastors offer a form of that opening for as long as I have gone to church, and I confess to you today that this plea takes on new and special meaning. I stand before you as someone who has given...
Dear Chautauqua Family, I have potlucks on my mind this morning as Peter and I prepare to host loved ones at our table for Thanksgiving. At Chautauqua, we are well familiar with the potluck, and our community throws a lot of them — from neighborhood picnics for residents and students, to monthly sessions through the fall, winter and spring at Hurlbut Church, to intimate gatherings of families and friends on porches or in kitchens, as the seasons permit. The opportunity to gather and enjoy each other’s company is something I think we all treasure a little more after these...
Eradicate Hate Global Summit Keynote Address As Prepared for Delivery September 20, 2022 Dr. Michael E. Hill 18th President, Chautauqua Institution Thank you, Leslie, for that kind introduction and for serving as the catalyst for bringing me here today. I’m deeply honored to be with each and every one of you. I’m particularly and sincerely overwhelmed to serve as a keynote the night after Henry Reese and Diane Samuels offered their own thoughts and reflections. For those who know the story of what brought me here, the last time I saw Henry and Diane was at Chautauqua Institution on a very fateful day that...
Three Taps of the Gavel closing the 149th Assembly Dr. Michael E. Hill, 18th President of Chautauqua Institution When I was a little boy, I used to lament things that were hard. In those moments when I found myself complaining to my father, his reply would often be: “It builds character.” Chautauqua, as we round out our Summer Assembly season, I have stood witness to many things that were indeed hard about our time together this summer. We entered our summer with COVID still an ominous presence. We struggled to find the necessary staff to operate Chautauqua amid a national labor...
