Visiting the Chautauqua Institution

A week ago Terry and I headed to the Chautauqua Institution - a "summer camp" for adults. It has been around since the 1800's.

Every year, dozens of famous speakers come to Chautauqua Institution to discuss the issues of the day.

There is a daily entrance fee to get into the grounds. Once inside, lectures are free.

We stayed a day and a half, but in that time we heard Steve Forbes, of Forbes Magazine, speak. The amphitheater was packed for his talk.

The following day we heard an aspiring politician speak about the necessity of US Senate reform. (She would like to see an end to the practice of lobbying.) Terry enjoyed both talks.

I had come to hear well-known writer and former Episcopal priest, Barbara Brown Taylor, whose books I enjoy. She was chaplain of the week in the church service that is held every day. In the end, I was not only able to hear her speak, but to meet her too, and have her sign one of my books.

A six hour drive from Ottawa, an hour and a half from Buffalo, NY, Chautauqua Institution is a unique, interesting (but not inexpensive) place to visit. But it does provide a rare opportunity to hear famous people speak, participating in "civil discourse" about issues of the day.

We'd definitely go back again - if speakers and the theme of the week were of interest to us.