About Us
The Chautauqua experience is life-changing and transformational. It’s not just a place. It’s an idea and community. Today, we believe Chautauqua is “to explore together; faith, arts, education and recreation for individuals and families to be enriched in community.” Through the years, Chautauquas have remained steadfast and timeless. It is community that creates time and space to be authentic and have meaningful dialogue centered around the four elements: faith, education, arts and recreation. Our founders believed that we need to nurture the whole self. Chautauqua meets you where you are on your life journey. It’s a platform of ideas for you to uncover in a multi-generational way. Download the highlights about Chautauqua.
The Movement Momentum: At the heart of Chautauqua Trail is an enduring truth, this movement lives through people; individuals whose passion, commitment, and belief carry it forward and give it meaning. Chautauqua Trail leaders and ambassadors have gather in virtual conversations, at the Annual Meeting, and through the Learning Lab.
In these moments, something important takes shape: collaboration deepens, ideas are shared freely, and we are bolstering the movement together. We share a calling: to strengthen the movement, deepen connections among leaders, expand our reach, and tell the story of Chautauqua in today’s world—while sharing the practices that help communities thrive. Now is the time to build on that momentum.
A year-round, national Chautauqua Movement Board includes at least two representatives—board members, staff, or volunteers—from each participating community. The national Chautauqua Movement Board helps:
- Illuminate the enduring significance of the Chautauquas.
- Contribute to national conversations, gatherings, and shared learning
- Shape how our collective story is told to broader audiences
- Inspire leaders and communities through collaboration, insight, and exchange
To support this work, board members participate in one of three working teams:
- Membership & Growth
- Outreach & Storytelling
- Collaboration & Education
Join the Chautauqua Trail
Your annual membership with the Chautauqua Trail helps ensure the survival of one of the greatest movements in North American history. A Full Organization donation is $100 (includes the option to add photo/information to the Chautauqua Trail’s website). Individual dues are $10 a year. The dues year starts February 1. Check your dues status by contacting Treasurer Lindsay Watt at lwatts@chq.org.
To become a member, make checks payable to Chautauqua Institution with “Trail Membership” in the memo line. Mail a check and the Chautauqua Trail New Membership or Annual Renewal Form to:
Chautauqua Trail Treasurer
P.O. Box 28 Chautauqua, NY 14722