Storytimes near SMITH MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Presbyterian House, Presbyterian House

Sharon R. Wesoky, Ph.D has been practicing Buddhist meditation for over 15 years. Born and raised in a Reform Jewish tradition, she regards Buddhist practice as a way to connect with an open heart as well as to consider how spiritual practice can help address questions of daily meaning as well as social and political belonging across different faith traditions. She holds a B.A. in Politics from Brandeis University, a Ph.D. in Government from Cornell University, and is Professor of Political Science at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Her research and teaching center on Chinese feminism and comparative political philosophy, and she is the editor and chief translator of Chinese Modernity and Socialist Feminist Theory, a collection of writings by contemporary Chinese feminist theorist Song Shaopeng. A Dharma student of Lodro Rinzler since 2014, Sharon has been a long-time member of his Buddhist Community as well as a graduate of his Mindfulness and Lovingkindness Teacher Trainings. Sharon graduated from Upaya Zen Center’s Buddhist chaplaincy training in March 2025, a program that combines academic study, Zen Buddhist practice, and socially-engaged activity. She is a volunteer meditation teacher at the Pennsylvania state women’s prison SCI-Cambridge Springs. Sharon looks forward to leading meditation at Chautauqua centered on the teachings and practices of Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasizes the cultivation of compassion and wisdom both on and off the cushion.

Hall of Missions, Hall of Missions

(Programmed by Unity of Chautauqua)

Hurlbut Church sanctuary, Hurlbut Church sanctuary

Hall of Philosophy Grove

Hall of Philosophy, Hall of Philosophy

In 2008, The Rev. Robert W. Henderson was installed as the sixth senior minister and head of staff at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, N.C. A respected pastor, preacher, and leader, Henderson is known for cultivating congregational vitality and meaningful community engagement. His ministry focuses on the centrality of worship, pastoral care, and vibrant mission programs. Both personally and through leading his congregation, Henderson continues his active involvement in uplifting local and international communities. Within recent years, his congregation has invested more than 6 million dollars in affordable housing projects. In Greensboro, N.C., they initiated an innovative partnership with an underprivileged neighborhood. Directly at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Henderson’s congregation opened a need-based child development center. The church is also home to a unique pastoral residency program for seminary graduates. Henderson enjoys seeing people grow in their personal faith and has particularly witnessed this through organizing and participating in mission trips in places such as Appalachia, Nablus, Bethlehem, Kenya, Haiti, and Mexico. In addition to his work with the Covenant Presbyterian Church, Henderson has been leading renewal conferences for large church pastors. He is also actively involved at Davidson College serving on the board of trustees and presidential search committee. From 1993 to 2008, Henderson served as senior pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, N.C. In Stone Mountain, Ga. he was associate pastor of Eastminster Presbyterian Church from 1988-1993. Henderson received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary, Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and Bachelor of Arts in economics and religion from Furman University.

Randell Chapel, UCC Headquarters

Amphitheater, Amphitheater

Paula Kerger is president and chief executive officer of PBS, the nation’s largest non-commercial media organization representing more than 330 member stations throughout the country. She also serves as president of the PBS Foundation, which provides a significant source of revenue for projects that benefit the entire public television system. Kerger joins Chautauqua’s series on “Charting a New Media Landscape” to share thoughts on the state of public media in the United States nationally, regionally and locally. As the longest serving president and CEO in PBS history, Kerger has led the transformation of PBS from a broadcaster to a multiplatform digital media organization which delivers on public television’s essential mission of education, inspiration and service to the American public. Under her leadership, PBS has grown its audiences across genres and platforms. Kerger has also deepened PBS’ impact, from providing universal access to early learning resources through the PBS KIDS broadcast and streaming channels, to empowering educators with digital resources through PBS LearningMedia. Programs on PBS are consistently recognized with the industry’s most prestigious honors, including Peabody, Emmy and Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University awards. Kerger is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Women’s Forum. Prior to joining PBS, Kerger served for more than a decade at the Educational Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), the parent company of Thirteen/WNET and WLIW21 New York, where her ultimate position was executive vice president and chief operating officer. Kerger received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Baltimore. She has received numerous honorary doctorates. At the University of North Carolina Asheville, she received the Chancellor’s Medallion and at the Darden School at the University of Virginia, she served as a DC Fellow.

Smith Wilkes Hall, Smith Wilkes Hall

Theater Chats (formerly known as Brown Bags) On selected Thursdays at 12:15 p.m., bring lunch to Smith Wilkes Hall and join special guests, including actors, designers, playwrights and more, for a look at our upcoming productions and discussions on the craft of theater-making. Free and open to the public.

Everett Jewish Life Center, Everett Jewish Life Center

Hall of Missions, Hall of Missions

Sharon R. Wesoky, Ph.D has been practicing Buddhist meditation for over 15 years. Born and raised in a Reform Jewish tradition, she regards Buddhist practice as a way to connect with an open heart as well as to consider how spiritual practice can help address questions of daily meaning as well as social and political belonging across different faith traditions. She holds a B.A. in Politics from Brandeis University, a Ph.D. in Government from Cornell University, and is Professor of Political Science at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Her research and teaching center on Chinese feminism and comparative political philosophy, and she is the editor and chief translator of Chinese Modernity and Socialist Feminist Theory, a collection of writings by contemporary Chinese feminist theorist Song Shaopeng. A Dharma student of Lodro Rinzler since 2014, Sharon has been a long-time member of his Buddhist Community as well as a graduate of his Mindfulness and Lovingkindness Teacher Trainings. Sharon graduated from Upaya Zen Center’s Buddhist chaplaincy training in March 2025, a program that combines academic study, Zen Buddhist practice, and socially-engaged activity. She is a volunteer meditation teacher at the Pennsylvania state women’s prison SCI-Cambridge Springs. Sharon looks forward to leading meditation at Chautauqua centered on the teachings and practices of Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasizes the cultivation of compassion and wisdom both on and off the cushion.

Hall of Philosophy, Hall of Philosophy

The Rev. Nicole Martin is the president and chief executive officer of Christianity Today. She has been with the magazine since 2023, previously holding the positions of chief operating officer and chief impact officer. Martin currently serves on the executive council of the National Association of Evangelicals, the Board of Trustees at Fuller Theological Seminary, and on the National Advisory Council for the Salvation Army. She is a founding board member of the Center for Christianity and Public Life and has been inducted into the esteemed Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. Martin is the founder and executive director of Soulfire International Ministries which accelerates thriving for pastors, churches, and younger leaders. She has decades of executive leadership experience in the church and Christian non-profits. Martin is very active at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church, her local congregation in Maryland. In addition to writing numerous articles, Martin is also the author of two books titled, Made to Lead: Empowering Women for Ministry and Leaning In, Letting Go: A Lenten Devotional. Martin was born and educated in Baltimore. She graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a triple major in Human and Organizational Development, Educational Studies and French. Martin received her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and earned a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Hall of Christ: Sanctuary

“Shariah”

Baptist House, Baptist House

United Methodist House, United Methodist House

Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall, Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall

Praised for her artistry and expressive depth, HieYon Choi is one of the most sought-after pianists of her generation. “One of this sonata’s greatest-ever recorded interpretations… a model of intelligent bravura” (Gramophone). She gained international recognition with prizes at the Kapell, Epinal, Busoni, and Viotti International Competitions and has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra (Washington, D.C.), Berlin Symphoniker, Rundfunkorchester Berlin, Seoul Philharmonic, and Korean Broadcast Symphony. A highlight of her career was the complete Beethoven sonata cycle at Kumho Art Hall in Seoul, later followed by additional Beethoven cycles across Europe, the U.S., and Korea. Her discography includes the complete Beethoven sonatas (Decca Korea, 2025), Debussy Études, Liszt Paganini Études, and Chopin Études. Alongside the canon of the classical piano literature such as Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Debussy, Music of 20th & 21st century forms another important part of HieYon’s career. In 2023/24, she joined the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University after 24 years on the faculty of Seoul National University.

Chautauqua Cinema, Chautauqua Cinema

Join filmmaker Janice Overbeck for a film screening and discussion. This thought-provoking documentary exposes the alarming rise of antibiotic resistance, shedding light on the quiet war unfolding within the microbial world. Unveiling the magnitude of the crisis, the film showcases groundbreaking research, personal stories, and expert insights illuminating the dire consequences of antimicrobial resistance.

Hultquist 101, Hultquist 101

The Chautauqua School of Art proudly welcomes Susan Klein, a distinguished member of our 2026 visiting faculty. Susan Klein will participate in the School’s Summer Lecture Series, sharing insights and practices with our artistic community.

Disciples of Christ House, Disciples of Christ House

Amphitheater, Amphitheater

Rossen Milanov, conductor Jaren Atherholt, oboe Join the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra for a celebration of musical exploration. John Corigliano’s Midsummer Fanfare opens the program with brilliance and energy. The orchestra then turns to Martinů’s Oboe Concerto, where soloist Jaren Atherholt brings wit, warmth, and virtuosity to the Amphitheater stage. The evening concludes with Dvořák’s iconic “New World” Symphony-one of the most powerful and beloved works in the orchestral repertoire. Program: John Corigliano: Midsummer Fanfare Martinu Oboe Concerto Dvorak Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”

Athenaeum Parlor, Athenaeum Parlor

This event is a part of Chautauqua’s partnership with Arizona State University and is hosted by comedian Shane Mauss and Athena Aktipis (featuring comedy, science & music.) Surviving AI is a comedy show that blends humor with thoughtful exploration of how humans relate to artificial intelligence and how we might build a more cooperative technological future. The evening begins with a stand-up comedy set, moves into a salon-style conversation with experts on AI and cooperation, and culminates in a live improvisational “battle” between a human artist and an AI, responding to each other in real time. Throughout the show, an LED screen displays dynamic visuals generated through human–AI collaboration, created live by AI artist Michael Strauss, inviting the audience to reflect on creativity, agency, and collaboration in an age of intelligent machines.

Presbyterian House, Presbyterian House

Sharon R. Wesoky, Ph.D has been practicing Buddhist meditation for over 15 years. Born and raised in a Reform Jewish tradition, she regards Buddhist practice as a way to connect with an open heart as well as to consider how spiritual practice can help address questions of daily meaning as well as social and political belonging across different faith traditions. She holds a B.A. in Politics from Brandeis University, a Ph.D. in Government from Cornell University, and is Professor of Political Science at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Her research and teaching center on Chinese feminism and comparative political philosophy, and she is the editor and chief translator of Chinese Modernity and Socialist Feminist Theory, a collection of writings by contemporary Chinese feminist theorist Song Shaopeng. A Dharma student of Lodro Rinzler since 2014, Sharon has been a long-time member of his Buddhist Community as well as a graduate of his Mindfulness and Lovingkindness Teacher Trainings. Sharon graduated from Upaya Zen Center’s Buddhist chaplaincy training in March 2025, a program that combines academic study, Zen Buddhist practice, and socially-engaged activity. She is a volunteer meditation teacher at the Pennsylvania state women’s prison SCI-Cambridge Springs. Sharon looks forward to leading meditation at Chautauqua centered on the teachings and practices of Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasizes the cultivation of compassion and wisdom both on and off the cushion.

Hall of Missions, Hall of Missions

(Programmed by Unity of Chautauqua)

Hurlbut Church sanctuary, Hurlbut Church sanctuary

Hall of Philosophy Grove

Monte Thompson was a professional dancer, and also spent years as a restauranteur. His life was spent on his feet. Now retired, he is interested in continuing to be able to move easily and gracefully while using breathing and stretching techniques to help quiet his mind and prepare him to face each day with purpose and joy.

Hall of Philosophy Grove

Hall of Philosophy, Hall of Philosophy

McKnight Hall, McKnight Hall

Randell Chapel, UCC Headquarters

Amphitheater, Amphitheater

World-renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and filmmaker Scott Hamilton Kennedy have twice joined forces to confront the twin crises of misinformation and science denial. Their documentaries — “Food Evolution,” which resets the GMO debate, and “Shot in the Arm,” begun in 2019 as measles resurged and transformed by COVID-19 — show how narrative can rescue facts from the fog of controversy and rekindle public trust in science. The pair will close the Chautauqua Lecture Series week dedicated to “Breaking the News: Charting a New Media Landscape” with a conversation on trust and media literacy, with lessons and tips on how to be a good consumer of information and news. Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist and the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, where he has served since 1996. Collaborating with Scott Hamilton Kennedy of Black Valley Films, Tyson is the executive producer of “Shot in the Arm” and narrator of “Food Evolution.” He is the author of 19 books, including the New York Times bestsellers Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization and Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. His latest work, Just Visiting This Planet, was released in October 2025. Tyson is the two-time host of the beloved TV series “Cosmos” — rebooting the original 1980 series hosted by Carl Sagan. He is also the host and cofounder of the popular Emmy-nominated podcast “StarTalk,” which combines science, humor, and pop culture. 2026 marks the 17th anniversary of “StarTalk.” Tyson is a recipient of 28 honorary degrees, the Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences, and the Distinguished Public Service Medal from NASA. Asteroid 13123 Tyson is named in his honor. He lives in New York City. Scott Hamilton Kennedy is an Academy Award–nominated filmmaker, director, journalist and educator. He founded the production company, Black Valley Films. In addition to “Shot in the Arm” and “Food Evolution,” Kennedy’s other work includes the Oscar-nominated documentary “The Garden,” the Independent Spirit–nominated “OT: Our Town” and the fan-favorite “Fame High.” With “Food Evolution” and “Shot in the Arm,” Kennedy focused on the collision between scientific evidence and public perception, beginning his collaboration with Tyson. “Food Evolution” mapped the early contours of science denialism around food, while “Shot in the Arm” captured vaccine hesitancy and the social fractures revealed by COVID-19. Together, the films anticipated the rise of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. The filmmaker Kennedy’s work continues this trajectory with “Toxic,” investigating the machinery of disinformation, and “A More Perfect Union,” a civic-literacy initiative designed to help audiences navigate the information ecosystem and rebuild trust. Kennedy approaches all his work with the belief that storytelling is a public service—one of humanity’s most powerful tools for understanding and repairing the world.

Hall of Christ: Sanctuary

Jumu’ah introduction for visitors is at 12:30 PM. Jumu’ah Service is at 1:05 PM