2025 Summer Programming
The African American Heritage House (AAHH} is pleased to announce its plans for the 2024 Chautauqua Assembly Season. The Board and the operating team are excited for the many activities planned for visitors to Chautauqua Institution this year. And you're welcome to stop by our booth at the Chautauqua Institution's Activity Fair (on most Sundays from Noon to 1:30 PM at Bestor Plaza) to learn more.
New programming in 2025: New this year is the AAHH’s Scholar-in-Residence program, a pilot program of four in-depth and experiential workshops called Contemplative Labs, focused on fostering wisdom, community connection, and inner reflection, aligned with the AAHH’s values.
Week 5: Naropa University- Seann Goodman & Regina Smith:
Two workshop opportunities on Becoming a Good Ancestor- Using visual and written mediums, attendees will explore self-reflection and personal legacy. Attendees will learn practices from Joanna Macy’s “7th Generation”, inspired by Native American and African principles of intergenerational responsibility.
Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Lunch will be provided to workshop attendees. Workshop registration is coming soon. Check back on this page or sign up to get our email notification.
Week 6 & 7: Resilient Activist- Sami Aaron
Two workshop opportunities on The Dance of Opposites: Resilience in a Polarized World- Explore how to cultivate harmony and compassion to transform the weight of divisive issues into pathways for connection and healing. Discover your inner resilience through simple practices and find strength in shared humanity.
Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Lunch will be provided to workshop attendees. Workshop registration is coming soon. Check back on this page or sign up to get our email notification.
AAHH’s community engagement:
● Student socials: These fun socials bring together young people that are on the grounds to study different artistic disciplines to connect and create community. A fun opportunity for the CHQ students to learn more about AAHH’s mission.
● Erie Student Leadership event: In collaboration with the Erie Student Leadership Center, AAHH provides a hands-on ½ day experience for a group of diverse teens from Erie, PA to learn more about African American history and current presence in CHQ.
● Homeboys Dinner: Hosted twice in the summer, AAHH provides the Homeboys Industries a welcoming dinner to meet and greet our volunteers and contributors.
CHQ Partnerships:
● Co-sponsoring Kwame Alexander’s guest, Charly "Carlos" Palmer, Artist and Writer
● Co-sponsoring with CHQ’s Senior Vice President of Community Relations & Chief IDEA officer, Amit Taneja, a summer long Allyship course, lead by Maisha Enahoro.
Our weekly run of show will be as follows:
Sunday Porch Chats
Day/Time: Every Sunday from 1- 2:30 PM
Location: Athenaeum Hotel Porch
The AAHH Sunday Porch Chats will continue every Sunday of the summer season. In a casual environment, we will be responsive to what participants wish to discuss. Topics have ranged from the history of African Americans at Chautauqua Institution to the state of the world today. Light refreshments are served.
Open House
Day/Time: Every Monday and Friday from 1 to 3 PM.
Location: 40 Scott Ave.
Come visit us at our newly renovated house. Connect with the AAHH team and learn about the rich African-American history of the Chautauqua Institute. Our storyboards of prominent Black figures at Chautauqua will give you a glimpse into a surprising history.
Speaker Reception
Day/Time: Every Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30 PM
Location: 40 Scott Ave.
Join our weekly reception in honor of our speaker of the week. The reception is an opportunity to meet our speaker, to hear her/him tee up their remarks scheduled for the next day and answer questions from the attendees. All are invited and light refreshments will be served.
Speaker Forum
Day/Time: Every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 PM.
Location: Hall of Philosophy
The AAHH invites its speakers to interpret the Institution’s theme of the week through the eyes of the marginalized. This, of course, leads to some interesting historical and current perspectives. Every forum will host a moderated Q&A. When applicable, a book signing will be held afterward at the Hall of Missions porch. You don’t want to miss it.
Chautauqua Dialogues
Day/Time: Every Thursday from 4 to 5 PM.
Location: 40 Scott Ave.
Every week Chautauqua holds facilitated discussions at multiple locations across the community. You are welcome to join the AAHH Dialogue, which is designed to discuss the AAHH’s Speaker’s speech held the day before. So, come listen on Wednesday and join us at our house on Thursday to discuss. Pre-registration is not required.
Thank you for your continuous support. Keep track with us on Grapevine, Instagram, and LinkedIn throughout the season.
