Lecture Programs

Join the Fenton History Center for a Vital Records workshop on March 22, 2025, presented by Janet Wahlberg. Discover how to use vital records in genealogy at the Hall House Research Center (73 Forest Avenue) starting at 10:30 a.m. In-person only, with recordings for paid participants. Registration: $20/class ($10 for members). Call 716-664-6256 to register.

Local historian and author Vincent Martonis will talk about the pottery and potters of Chautauqua County. He has written two books on the subject.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County Master Gardeners Program is excited to announce the 3rd Annual Gardening Symposium, taking place on Saturday May 3rd from 8:00 am to 12:45 pm at Jamestown Community College, Carnahan Center, 241 James St. Jamestown, New York 14701. This event brings together gardening enthusiasts, educators and experts to share their knowledge and inspire greener, more sustainable practices. This year’s…

Randy Elf will talk about constitutional issues facing the Supreme Court concerning the First Amendment.

Join the Fenton History Center for a Newspapers workshop on May 17, 2025, presented by Andrew Kolstee. Learn how to use newspapers in genealogy at the Hall House Research Center (73 Forest Avenue) starting at 10:30 a.m. In-person only, with recordings for paid participants. Registration: $20/class ($10 for members). Call 716-664-6256 to register.

Join us for Joseph Ellicott, A Historical Portrayal, where Dennis Upton brings this influential yet often-overlooked figure to life. As the chief surveyor and land agent for the Holland Land Company, Ellicott played a crucial role in shaping Western New York, including advocating for the Erie Canal. Through this first-person performance, step back to 1824 and discover the man behind the many places that bear his name.

The 2025 Chautauqua Institution season runs from June 21 to August 24. Chautauqua Institution is your one-stop vacation experience destination. Looking for a family-friendly concert in a one-of-a-kind open-air amphitheater? We have dozens of shows, all summer long. Seeking to enjoy a signature cocktail or tasty bite with a view of Chautauqua Lake? The porch at the Athenaeum Hotel or the lakeside bar at 3 Taps are ready to greet you. Want to take…

One of America’s best-loved political couples, Mary Matalin and “Ragin’ Cajun” James Carville open the 2025 Summer Assembly at Chautauqua Institution, taking the Amphitheater stage for a conversation exploring themes of transformation in our current political and media moments. Key players on the national political stage — they each have over 40 years of experience in politics and have individually worked for…

Sian Leah Beilock is the 19th president of Dartmouth College, and the first woman in the role in Dartmouth’s 255-year history. In her first year, she has positioned Dartmouth as a global leader on critical issues in higher education and beyond, including climate change and sustainability, affordability for middle-income families and championing the importance of dialogue across differences. It is this vision of creating educational…