Lecture Programs

Ivan Pongracic, Jr. is the William E. Hibbs/Ludwig von Mises Professor of Economics at Hillsdale College, where he has been teaching since 2000. He came to truly appreciate the importance of free markets to human liberty and prosperity because of growing up in communist Yugoslavia, where he spent the first fourteen years of his life. He was involved with various classical liberal and conservative institutions, such as the Foundation for Economic…

Lecture Description:Join us for an interactive presentation the combines science with comic interludes. Allison presents recent scientific findings about the importance of play while also demonstrating laughter yoga and improv games. Up until recently, there was very little scientific research about play and laughter. One of the surprising discoveries is that nearly all other mammals play, and many display laughter. We’ll explore various…

Visionary American pianist and scholar Lara Downes is joined by fellow American scholar and linguist John McWhorter for a musical-conversation to discuss the role of American music as a joyful noise, even in the hardest times — the songs that have chased our cares away even in times of hardship, crisis and wartime, to remind us of the importance of “harmonizing together.” This program is part of Downes’ series,…

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is the Alphonse Fletcher University professor and director of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University. The Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, literary scholar, journalist, cultural critic and institution builder has produced and hosted an array of documentary films and published numerous books. Gates joins the Chautauqua Lecture Series during this week on “The…

Vivek Murthy, physician, bestselling author, and the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States, joins Week Nine of the Chautauqua Lecture Series: “The Importance of Gathering: In Collaboration with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.” Known for elevating the national conversation around loneliness, social connection, and well-being, Murthy has helped Americans better understand the profound impact human relationships have on…

Join renowned musician Kenny G for a freewheeling, intimate conversation with longtime Chautauquan Phil Lerman -- co-author of Kenny’s recent autobiography Life in the Key of G. How did a kid who once got hassled for his lunch money become the world’s most successful instrumental musician? Does he really still practice three hours every day? And what was the fast one he pulled on the Johnny Carson show that launched -- but almost…

“CBS News Sunday Morning” correspondent and best-selling author Conor Knighton returns to Chautauqua to close out the 2026 Chautauqua Lecture Series and our week on “The Importance of Gathering: A Collaboration with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival” with stories of the unconventional conventions, fascinating festivals, and passionate subcultures and communities he’s encountered around the country. From the…

Learn the stories about veterans buried in Lake View Cemetery. Six veterans will be highlighted whose stories need to be heard. Participants will meet outside the Lake View Cemetery office on the corner of Buffalo Street and Lakeview Avenue at 10:00 a.m. The Fenton History Center conducts historic walking tours from June to August. The cost is $8 for members and $12 for non-members. Participants can pre-register online, at the Fenton, or by phone…

Exploring urban nature, wildlife, and habitat restoration during this presentation in partnership with Prendergast Library.