Chautauqua Institution opened its virtual nine-week 2020 assembly Sunday with its traditional three taps of the gavel and worship service.

What You Need To Know

  • Chautauqua Institution season is virtual
  • Week one lecture series is about climate change
  • Town of Chautauqua finalist in national contest

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer than a dozen people sat in the Amphitheater that would normally hold thousands of visitors from around the world opening day.

"With that program, it brought tears to my eyes. Rising to this moment and finding a way to continue to assemble, even though we aren't here all of us in person and gathering," said Jordan Steves, CI strategic communications and community relations director.

Week one of the Institution's re-shaped lecture series, entitled "Climate Change, Prioritizing the Global and Local Response” featured former New Jersey Governor and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator under President George W. Bush, Christine Todd Whitman.

The season comes as Chautauqua is a top finalist in USA Today’s Best Small Town Cultural Scene contest, for its scenery and more than 2000 events that encompass the Institution.

"We do such important work here at Chautauqua Institution, it would mean a lot for us to secure that distinction. We've had such fantastic support from our friends at the National Comedy Center who have recently gone through a similar contest, right through that same USA Today portal," said Steves.

Voting, and a view of the leaderboard, is now closed to the public.

The winner will be announced on July 10.