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<\/p>\nThe Pennsylvania Chautauqua announced it will host another season of summer programs in Mt. Gretna, and released their 2026 season lineup.<\/p>\n
Since 1892, the Pennsylvania Chautauqua has held Summer Programs as a part of the Chautauqua Movement \u2013 begun in the mid 1800s. Officials said these programs are open to the public and funded entirely by donation.<\/p>\n
The Chautauqua movement began with the goal of adult education, to bring lectures and programs to rural communities. An all-volunteer committee coordinates the planning of summer programming and meets annually from November through March.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust within Mount Gretna, we have any number of talented people who willingly share their stories and expertise with us. In addition, we are fortunate to have relationships with excellent colleges within a 20-mile radius of us,\u201d Sue Hostetter, co-chair of the PA Chautauqua Summer Programs Committee said in a release.<\/p>\n
All of the summer programs are based upon the four pillars of the Chautauqua movement: arts, education, recreation, and religion.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Pennsylvania Chautauqua announced it will host another season of summer programs in Mt. Gretna, and released their 2026 season lineup.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s arts and culture events include lectures given by visiting artist lecturers working with the Mount Gretna School of Art, along with an Art Lecture Series by Gloria Mast on Wednesdays in August. Craft events include Knit in Public on June 13 and Mark Making on August 13.<\/p>\n
Organizers said there will be three organ recitals at Mount Gretna United Methodist Church, featuring Abigail Wood, Carolyn Hoff, and Daniel Brownell on June 3, June 10, and June 17.<\/p>\n
The film series this summer will follow the theme of America\u2019s 250th anniversary. The films to be screened Wednesdays in July are “1776,” “The Right Stuff,” and “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” Additionally, organizers said there will be poetry with Jesse Waters on Fridays in July and book reviews on Tuesdays in June and July.<\/p>\n
Recreation activities include a heart meditation with Leslie Bures on Wednesdays June 3, 10, and 17. There will also be pilates with Sarah Clem on Thursdays in June and July, and yoga with Stephanie Bost on Wednesdays, May 20 through Sept. 9.<\/p>\n
The Religion pillar will feature worship services on Sundays, July 5 through September 6. Organizers said there will also be a discussion series called “Faith and Freedom” with Dr. Lee Barrett and Dr. Randall Zachman on June 4, June 11, and June 18. The series will also include guest lecturers including Steve Nolt and Mark Draper.<\/p>\n
Education events on the season\u2019s schedule include three Plant Walks, hosted by Wilson Alvarez on Saturdays June 6, July 25, Aug. 22. Potpourri in the Hall of Philosophy will include an extensive variety of lectures throughout the summer, ranging from topics in history, literature, business, language, and beyond. Other events include a presentation on the life of Jane Goodall from professor Colleen Webster, and archivist from the National Watch and Clock Collectors Museum and an authority on the history of postcards.<\/p>\n
A panel of experts from the energy industry, including PUC, PPL, PA Consumer Advocate and PA Government Policy, will convene at 7 p.m. July 14 in the Playhouse. The Conversation Cafe will be returning this year, with a moderated discussion after viewing “The American Miracle” on Saturday, July 11, and the “Common Ground” on Saturday, Aug. 8.<\/p>\n
Special events will include:<\/p>\n
The Annual Student Art Show on Sunday, July 26<\/p>\n
The Patriotic Bike Parade and Keystone Band of Rehrersburg on Saturday, July 4<\/p>\n
MTG\u2019s Great American Booksale on Friday, July 31<\/p>\n
The PA Chautauqua hosts several summer programs for children, including three performances in collaboration with Gretna Music 4Kids. Organizers said there will also be Yoga for Kids on Thursdays in July, Step Into Stories & STEM, and the Fairy Tale Quest on Saturday, July 25.<\/p>\n
Many of the programs do not require advanced registration, but organizers said that some classes do have size limits, deadlines, and fees to cover the costs of materials.<\/p>\n
All summer programs, including dates, times, and additional details, can be found at pachautauqua.org<\/a> or mtgretna.org.<\/a> For questions, residents can call the Visitor\u2019s Center at 717-200-1187 or email at pachautauqua@gmail.com.<\/p>\n Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth.<\/p>\n