Lecture Programs

Leading the fourth installment of a five-part weeklong deep dive into “The 2026 Election: What’s at Stake?,” renowned scholars E.J. Dionne, Jr. and Christine Emba join in conversation for a deeper look into the role of culture in American public and political life, particularly addressing the generational differences and divides that show up in these deeply intertwined components of our national dialogue. The program is…

Explore locally and come to Chautauqua Institution on Chautauqua County Day. Residents of Chautauqua County have free admission and parking from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Our Chautauqua County Day includes access to all events in the Amphitheater and Hall of Philosophy that day, beaches, and so much more! Please bring proof of residency for entry. Youth 12 and under are always free at Chautauqua! Chautauqua County Day: Featured Events 9:15 a.m. (Hall…

Kevin R. Kosar and Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, two of the nation’s leading experts in the workings of the U.S. federal government, governance, and interbranch relations, will present in tandem on the state of the federal government, federalism and U.S. elections. The program concludes the Chautauqua Lecture Series weeklong exploration of “The 2026 Election: What’s at Stake?,” a five-part series at Chautauqua in partnership with…

Beginning Genealogy, Part II — Saturday, July 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Held in the dining room of the Gov. Reuben Fenton Mansion, 67 Washington Ave., Jamestown, NY. Registration: $5 members / $10 non-members. Call 716-664-6256 to register.

Virtually farmland through much of the nineteenth century, Lakeview Avenue (formerly Marvin Street) quickly became the elegant north corridor leading to the city proper. It is bordered on the north by the lovely nineteenth century Lake View Cemetery and on the south by Sixth Street. Most of Lakeview's large and architecturally diverse homes were built through the first three decades of the twentieth century for prominent Jamestown merchants and…

We’re living in the most age-diverse time in human history, with equal numbers of people alive at every age, from birth to age 70 and beyond. Simultaneously, we’re the most age-segregated nation we’ve ever been — a dangerous experiment linked to a raft of problems, including generational conflict, rampant ageism, and an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. It’s time to turn the situation around and build the…

Shannon Taggart is a filmmaker, researcher, and curator whose work sits at the intersection of paranormal investigation, art, and cultural history. Her documentary films and curated symposia have brought together some of the most compelling voices in the fields of the unexplained, psychical research, and spiritual history. The Shannon Taggart Symposium is an annual gathering she creates to offer audiences a rare, deeply intellectual, and…

David Wallace-Wells is an acclaimed columnist and staff writer for The New York Times. Neither a scientist nor an environmental activist per se, Wallace-Wells is a celebrated climate change speaker and journalist who uses the power of storytelling to move the needle on climate action. He also writes a weekly newsletter on climate change, technology and the future of the planet, themes that will frame his lecture opening Chautauqua’s Week…

Allen B. West is a Christian constitutional conservative, combat veteran, and former member of the US Congress. His life has been defined as one of service, sacrifice, and commitment to the United States of America. He has held many leadership roles in the Republican Party, and he believes it will be conservative, free market policies, not politics that secures a sound economic future for Americans. Advocates For Balance at Chautauqua, Inc. is…