Diversity and inclusion have been long missing at the Chautauqua Institution in Western New York. Efforts are underway to change that.

Amit Taneja was hired at the institution less than two years ago to help make that change happen.

It starts with a tour of the relatively new African American Heritage House on the grounds which provides a physical space to gather, share ideas and attend programs that help document and honor the legacy of African Americans at the institution. 

"It also signals to more diverse communities that there is a growing presence of diverse communities and African Americans included in that on the Chautauqua grounds," said Taneja, senior VP, chief inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility officer at the Chautauqua Institution.

While it's closed for the winter, storyboards on the wall document the history of African Americans at Chautauqua to give visitors a deeper understanding beyond the 28 days in February.

"Black history needs to be celebrated, understood and deeply involved in our deeper understanding of the African American experience," Taneja said. "That needs to happen year-round, right."

"It's sort of a museum as well and people are even surprised to learn that there were Black people at Chautauqua back then," said Erroll Davis, president and chairman of the African American Heritage House.

The organization was founded in 2013, but established permanent residency on the grounds just a few years ago.

"It opened up new opportunities and vistas for us," Davis said. "A lot more outreach. More engagement with people on the grounds and with visitors."

That includes a weekly lecture series, focusing on the African American experience, complete with a dialog after. The Institution's lecture series, which has also featured a number of African American speakers, dedicates a weekly dialog to Heritage House as well.

It's all part of the collaboration to make everyone who walks through the gate feel welcome.

"It is not the most diverse of places, it is becoming more diverse," Davis said. "And part of our challenge in the African American Heritage House is to convince African Americans that they too should come and enjoy the rich cultural and historical experiences that the visitors to Chautauqua do enjoy."

It's an experience that confronts the past, celebrates the present and prepares for the future all under one roof.

"So it creates that message of welcome," Taneja said. "And that is a big opportunity for us as well to expand our audiences at Chautauqua Institution."

The 2023 season officially opens on June 25.