Chautauqua Trail Annual Meeting
“Chautauqua” is an educational and cultural movement that built communities and supported individuals in the development of their full potential spiritually, intellectually, culturally and physically. The concept began in the late 19th century and spread throughout rural North America as hundreds of Chautauqua communities were established. However, by the mid-1920s, the movement began to recede due to the rise of the automobile, radio and access to education. Only a handful of these communities survived the decline.
Today, there are several Chautauqua communities across North America, and the demand for authentic, cultural experiences and continued learning opportunities is on the rise. The Chautauqua Trail, a group of organizations and individuals committed to promoting the Chautauqua concept, is one of the driving forces behind this movement
Join the Movement
Individuals and organizations can join the Chautauqua Trail and attend the Chautauqua Trail Annual Meeting. Your annual membership to the Chautauqua Network helps ensure the survival of one of the greatest movements in North American cultural history. The full organization membership is $100 and individual membership is $10. Join today.
2026 Chautauqua Trail Annual Meeting hosted by Mt. Gretna, PA
Thursday, July 30: After registering at the Board Meeting Room behind the post office (located on Route 117), guests are invited to join a walking tour of the Chautauqua and Campmeeting grounds. A reception and dinner will follow in the evening.
Friday, July 31: Following breakfast, we will begin our business meeting with a presentation by Jeff Grimshaw, highlighting both the process and outcomes of Mt. Gretna’s recent strategic planning initiative. Reports from each attending Chautauqua will follow as we move into the business agenda.
In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy an ice cream break at the Jigger Shop, followed by Postcards of Mt. Gretna and a special visit with two local historical figures, Sarah Tyson Rorer and Ann Hark. An Amish-catered dinner will be served, followed by an evening presentation by Stefanie Peters of the Library of America, “Preserving America’s Literature for the Next 250 Years.”
Saturday, August 1: After breakfast, we will resume the business meeting. Participants are then invited to take part in the Gretna Tour of Homes, a fundraiser benefiting Gretna Music. A grab-and-go bag lunch will be available at the Hall of Philosophy.
At 3:30 p.m., we will reconvene for the final portion of the business meeting, followed by free time and dinner on your own before enjoying Gretna Theatre’s performance of HAIR!
Sunday, August 2: We will gather for breakfast, followed by worship in the Playhouse and coffee and conversation in the Hall of Philosophy, featuring Kathy Snavely’s Blueberry Buckle. Afternoon tours of the Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society will be available.
Registration: Early registration is now open. Participants may download the registration form and pay by check via mail or register online.
Annual Meeting Schedule
- 2026 Pennsylvania Chautauqua – Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania
- 2027 – New Piasa Chautauqua, Illinois
- 2028 – Ocean Park, Maine
- 2029 – Lakeside Chautauqua, Lakeside, Ohio
- 2030 Chautauqua Institution – Chautauqua, New York
- 2031 Ocean Park Association – Old Orchard Beach, Maine (150th Anniversary)
- 2074 Chautauqua Institute – Chautauqua, New York (200th Anniversary)
- 2076 Lakeside Chautauqua – Lakeside, Ohio (200th Anniversary)