Chautauqua Institute Lecturers Past and Present

The Chautauqua Institute has enriched and enlightened the lives of people since its founding in 1874. Beginning as a summer retreat for Sunday school teachers the Institute has expanded and embraces the arts, education, religion and recreation.

The institute’s season runs from June to late August and people from around the world gather simply for the Chautauqua experience.

One such experience that has edified the minds and spirits of people since the institutions early years is the lectures offered.

Great speakers from around the world are included in the vast lecture library of the Chautauqua Institute with prominent speakers being scheduled for the present and the future.

Among the very top speakers and lectures through the years are:

- Philosophical lecture by James B. Nelson for the 1995 theme ‘Sexuality and the Sacred.’

- Philosophical lecture by Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis for the 1996 theme ‘For Those Who Can’t Believe: The Two Faces of God Confronting Natural and Moral Evil.’

- Lecture by Dr. Jane Goodall for the 2000 theme ‘Reason For Hope: A Spiritual Journey.’

- Current Issues lecture by speaker Dr. Seyyed Hosselin Nasr for the 2001 theme ‘God and Man Religious Views and Scientific Perspectives.’

- Philosophical lecture by Karen Armstrong and Dr. Vincent Cornell for the 2002 theme ‘Islam and Mysticism.’

- Current Issues lecture by Maude Barlow for 2004 theme ‘Blue Gold: The Political Struggle for The World’s Water.’

- Current Issues lecture by speaker Dr. Jonathan Foley for the 2006 theme ‘Biosphere in the Brink: What Does the Future Hold for the Global Environment?’

- Current Issues lecture by speaker Dr. Vali Nasr for the 2007 theme ‘The Implications of Sectarian Conflict for the Greater Middle East.’

- Philosophical lecture by Dr. Geoffrey Kemp for the 2008 theme ‘The Middle East Crisis and The Next Administration.’

- Philosophical lecture by Karen L. King for the 2009 theme ‘You Are the Perfect Day: The Gospel of Truth.’

2010 will be as entertaining and enriching as past years with lecture speakers such as Alan Alda, Alice McDermott, John Shelby Spong, Daisy Kahn, Lawrence Hill, Hanan Ashrawi, Margaret Geller, Paul Goldberger and Venerable Bhikku Bodhi to name just a few.