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Help & FAQs

Listed below are some of the questions that are asked most often about the Chautauqua Institution and about this Web site. If you can't find an answer to your question, please send us an email.

What is the Chautauqua Institution?
How do I get to the Chautauqua Institution?

What about transportation to and from the Chautauqua Institution?
How do I plan my Chautauqua vacation?
What kinds of accommodations are available?
Are tours of the grounds available?
What kinds of recreation/sports programs do you have?
What is there for kids to do?
What fees are involved?
Which open enrollment classes will be offered during our stay?
What kinds of public facilities do you have?
What about meals?
How will I get around the grounds?
Should we bring our bicycles?
What about our boat?
What about pets?
Are religious services available?
May I record and/or film performances?
Is there a movie theater on the grounds?
What if we'd like to bring our motor home?
Does anything happen on the grounds between fall and spring?
What about banking services?
Do you offer group discounts?
Is there any type of fitness center on the grounds?
What kind of handicapped assistance do you have?
Are medical services readily available?
Do you offer programs for older adults?
I heard a Chautauqua lecture on NPR. How do I order it?
I would like internet access while I am staying at Chautauqua. Who are the local
ISPs (Internet Service Providers)?
What else should I know about Chautauqua?
I see that you offer a lot of PDF files to download documents such as the Special
Studies catalog, Accommodations Directory, Annual Report, and more. What is a
PDF file and how can I access these files?


What is the Chautauqua Institution?

The Chautauqua Institution is a non-for-profit organization that serves as a community, a center, and a resource where the human spirit is renewed, minds stimulated, faith restored and the arts valued. It has performance venues, hotel, golf, tennis, and educational and recreational facilities.

For nine weeks each year, from late June through late August, the Institution offers a rich blend of arts, programming and recreational activities. Its educational mission is continued during the rest of the year with programs for older adults, Elderhostels and other learning programs.

Chautauqua’s Department of Religion provides a wide variety of services of worship and programs that express its Christian heritage and its interfaith commitment. It provides lectures and educational programs that probe contemporary religious and theological ideas, in the confidence that people seeking truth and understanding will benefit from such exploration.

The Department of Religion strives to create a climate in which people who cherish various points of view and beliefs can exchange ideas, discuss their differences, and ponder the significance of their diverse experiences and insights.

The Chautauqua Institution was founded in 1874 and is located on beautiful Chautauqua Lake near Jamestown, New York.

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How do I get to the Chautauqua Institution?

The Chautauqua Institution is located in the southwestern corner of New York State. From the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90), take exit 60, turn left onto NY-394/North Portage Street. Continue to follow NY-394.

From the Southern Tier Expressway (Interstate 86/Route 17) -- if eastbound, take Exit 7 toward Panama/Chautauqua Institution, then left onto CR-33, then right onto West Lake Rd./NY-394. If westbound, take the NY-394 exit number 8 toward Mayville/Lakewood and turn right onto West Lake Rd./NY-394.

For MapQuest driving directions to the Chautauqua Institution, please click here!

Chautauqua is served by the Chautauqua County Airport at Jamestown, NY (15 miles south of the Institution) via USAirways Express commuter from Pittsburgh, PA. Other nearby airports are the Buffalo (NY) Niagara International Airport (70 miles northeast of Chautauqua) and the Erie (PA) International Airport (40 miles southwest of Chautauqua).

Privately owned transportation services for travel to and from the Chautauqua County Airport are available.

Please click here for transportation options to and from Chautauqua.

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How do I plan my Chautauqua vacation?

Call (716-357-6250) or e-mail our customer service office for accommodations and ticketing information.  Office hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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What kinds of accommodations are available?

On-grounds accommodations include hotels, inns, guest houses, condominiums and apartments. Weekly rentals range from approximately $115 for a room to approximately $3,600 for a house.

Double-occupancy room costs at Chautauqua's Athenaeum Hotel, an American plan hotel, range from $299 to $499 per day.

1-800-821-1881 www.athenaeum-hotel.com.

Also see Accommodations.

Many of Chautauqua's property owners have chosen to be a part of our new accommodations update service. Just click on the link below and you will be able to check on the availability of accommodations for specific dates. Through this service, property owners are able to update their information on a daily basis right from their computer. Our new Webervations service gives you an easy way to find the accommodations you are looking for.

Click here for Webervations.

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Are tours of the grounds available?

Narrated bus tours of the Chautauqua Institution grounds are available daily for a fee. Tickets are available at the Main Gate Welcome Center, Colonnade lobby and the Turner Community Center.

716-357-6250

A self-guided walking tour guide book is available for purchase at the Chautauqua Bookstore.

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What kinds of recreation/sports programs do you have?

GOLF: Chautauqua's original golf course was redesigned by Donald Ross in 1924. Expanded to 36 holes in 1994 based on the design of Xen Hassenplug, the rolling wooded terrain offers diverse challenges to golfers of all abilities. Daily greens fees range from $36 to $46.  Carts and a snack bar are also available.

716-357-6211 or visit golf.ciweb.org

TENNIS: Chautauqua maintains eight Har-Tru tennis courts and four hard courts. Private lessons, tournaments, clinics, adult and junior memberships and a junior skills program are all available. Court fees are $12 per hour non-prime time, $16 per hour prime time.

716-357-6255 before season
716-357-6276 during season or visit
ciweb.org/tennis.html

BEACHES: Four well-tended public beaches, including a children's beach, are open daily throughout the summer season (before season: 716-357-6255, during season: 716-357-6309). Located on the lake front, the Chautauqua Sports Club offers short-term boat rentals (sailboats, paddle boats, kayaks and canoes), as well as shuffleboard and lawn bowling. (716-357-6281)

The
Sports Club also organizes softball and volleyball leagues, bridge games and an annual walk/run is held in conjunction with Chautauqua's birthday celebration each August. Age restrictions apply to certain activities. Fees vary.

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What is there for kids to do?

The Children's School, which is conducted Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, is an early childhood center for youngsters ages three-five. The developmentally-based program includes a wide range of social, recreational and educational activities supervised by certified teachers assisted by interns, college students and high-school aides. The cost is $130 per week with reduced rates for each additional child in your immediate family as well as for multiple weeks registration. Class size is limited, and since classes do fill up, preregistration is strongly recommended. Minimum registration is one week.

Group One is designed for children who will be entering first grade in the fall. This full-day program, 9 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, includes active play, arts activities, swimming instruction and special events. The cost is $155 per week with reduced rates for each additional child in your immediate family as well as for multiple weeks registration. Class size is limited, and since classes do fill up, preregistration is strongly recommended. Minimum registration is one week (before season: 716-357-6250, during season: 716-357-6278).

The
Boys' and Girls' Club is a day camp for young people who will be entering second grade to those entering tenth grade in the fall. It is a full-day program 9 a.m.- noon, 2-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, that includes swimming, crafts, music and art activities, field games and sports, sailing, nature study and special events. Staffed by teachers and other adult professionals, college- and high-school-age counselors and counselors-in-training, the Club program is held on a scenic campus along the water front. The cost is $155 per week with reduced rates for each additional child in your immediate family as well as for multiple weeks registration. Class size is limited, and since classes do fill up, preregistration is strongly recommended. Minimum registration is one week (before season: 716-357-6250, during season: 716-357-6295).

The Youth Activities Center is designed as a gathering spot for junior- and senior-high-school-age young people, with a snack bar, games, pool tables and table tennis, as well as television and lounge areas. Dances, excursions and special activities for specific interests or ages are planned in conjunction with the young people themselves. (before season: 716-357-6290, during season: 716-357-6291)

The College Club serves as a meeting place for college-age young adults. In addition to providing comfortable lounges, table tennis and pool tables, a snack bar and beach area, the club initiates special programs as guided by member interest, including guest speakers, movies, live entertainment and service projects. (before season: 716-357-6290, after season: 716-357-6275)

A
Family Entertainment Series is presented every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. featuring singers, musicians, actors, puppeteers and storytellers (716-357-6290).

A number of open-enrollment
Special Studies classes are especially designed for young people. Many multigenerational classes are also listed in the Special Studies catalog, which is available in April. (716-357-6255)

The
Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle Young Readers Program features nine books and related activities throughout the summer. The program has been designed to provide reading enrichment for youth ages 10-14. It is also intended to help parents encourage their children to enjoy quality literature. (716-357-6255)

The Institution's
Department of Religion youth and young adult ministry includes concerts, discussions and worship. (716-357-6274)

Junior
golf (716-357-6211) and tennis (716-357-6276) opportunities are also available.

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What fees are involved?

2007 Ticket Prices

Daily
7 am - 8 pm
$15
Afternoon
Noon - 8 p.m.
$8
Day/Eve.
7 am - midnight
$52.50 (varies on Friday evenings)
Afternoon/Eve.
Noon - midnight
$40.50 (varies on Friday evenings)
Evening
4 pm - midnight
$32.50 (varies on Friday evenings)
Weekend
4 pm Fri. -10 am Mon.
$67-79



The cost for Children's School is $130 per week. The cost for both Group One and Boys' and Girls' Club is $155 per week. Reduced rates are offered for each additional child in your immediate family as well as multiple weeks registration.

Click here to buy youth program tickets

Single opera tickets range from $20-50, depending on seating. Advance purchase is highly recommended as performances do sell out. 

Click here to buy opera tickets

Single theater tickets are priced at $24, and New Play Workshops (NPW) are $10. Advance purchase is highly recommended as performances do sell out.

Click here to buy theater tickets

Parking fees are $6/day and $42/week.
Click here to buy a parking pass

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Which open enrollment classes will be offered during our stay?

Classes vary by week, and a weekly index of classes is provided in the special studies catalog which is available by calling 716-357-6255 or by online access. To register for classes before the season call 716-357-6250. To register during the season call 716-357-6348 or 716-357-6349. Fees range from $14 to $140/week.

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What kinds of public facilities do you have?

A full-service Post Office is located on Bestor Plaza. It is closed on Sundays. A business center is located at the Main Gate Welcome Center, next to the Bookstore Sampler and provides, for a fee, the use of computers for Internet access and word processing. Copying and fax services are also available.

The Chautauqua Police Department, located behind the Colonnade Building, is open 9 a.m.-5p.m. during the season (716-357-6225). After 5 p.m., Main Gate Welcome Center security may be contacted at 716-357-6279. In case of emergency, phone 911.

Public facilities on the grounds include telephones, restrooms and beaches. The Turner Community Center pool is located just outside the Hurst Gate. The pool is open to the public daily for a fee. For information call 716-357-6430. Picnic areas with available picnic tables are located at Miller Park near the Miller Bell Tower. Playgrounds are available to the public. The Children's School playground is open to the public when Children's School is not in session.

Laundry and dry cleaning services are avalible on the grounds. Coin-operated washers and dryers are available at The Soap Opera Laundromat, located on Massey Avenue behind the Jamestown Cycle Shop Bike Rental (9 a.m.-9 p.m.). Laundry facilities at Shaw Laundry, located directly across Route 394 from the Institution. Shaw Laundry also provides complete laundry services (including rugs, family bundles, flatwork and shirts, plus dry cleaning as well as self-serve washers and dryers. Eckerd Drug Store in the Colonnade Building accepts dry cleaning for pickup and delivery by Anderson Cleaners of Jamestown.

The Smith Memorial Library is part of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. Open year round, its collection includes more than 50,000 items. Summer hours (June 15-August 30) are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays, and 12-3 p.m. Sundays. The library's hours September 1-June 14 are Sunday noon-3 p.m., Monday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. You'll find a well-stocked children's collection as well as activities for youngsters.

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What about meals?

If your accommodation has a kitchen, you may want to stock up on the basics before departing for Chautauqua, since there is no super market on the grounds. During the summer season, there is a farmers market with fresh produce, baked goods, etc. and limited convenience store-type items are available on the grounds. More complete grocery shopping is available at markets from two to ten miles away. During the season, there are dining facilities on the grounds that offer a variety of menus and atmospheres for your enjoyment. You may enjoy alcoholic beverages in your lodging, and beer and wine may be ordered with your meal at licensed restaurants on the grounds.

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How will I get around the grounds?

Because Chautauqua is a walking community with narrow streets and traffic noise concerns, the use of automobiles on the grounds is very restricted. You will, however, be given a free, limited-time street permit to unload and load luggage at your accommodation. Visitors may park in lots near the entrance gates for a daily fee. Special long-term parking rates are also available. The Institution provides regularly scheduled complimentary shuttle bus and tram service on the grounds during the season. Chautauqua Area Rural Transit System (C.A.R.T.S. 716-665-6466) provides two round trips daily between Jamestown and Westfield for a nominal fee. The system may be used for shopping trips or to make travel connections and, on occasion, for group excursions by calling 24 hours in advance.

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What about transportation to and from the Chautauqua Institution?

Privately owned limousine services include: Adventure Limousine (1-800-419-7423), A Fancee Limousine Service (1-800-947-1537), and Chautauqua Limousine (Buffalo Airport only, 716-683-7455). Reservations should be made in advance. Other transportation includes Advanced Transportation (716-267-2607 or 716-499-2607).

Bus service includes Coach USA (Buffalo to Jamestown 716-665-3076), and Chautauqua Area Rural Transit (Chautauqua County Airport and Chautauqua County; 1-800-388-6534 in Jamestown and 1-800-556-8553 in Dunkirk).

Amtrak (Buffalo or Erie, no stops in Chautauqua County) 716-856-2075.

Local taxi service to and from the Chautauqua County Airport includes Checker Cab of Jamestown (716-664-6463), Golden Taxi (716-484-7224), Diamond Cab (716/487-2110), Rainbow Cab (716-484-9994), Lift Taxi (716-483-3836), Falconer Taxi (716-665-6463).

Car rentals include Hertz Rent-A-Car (716-484-1060) or National Car Rental (1-800-654-3131). Both are located at the Chautauqua County Airport. Also,
Enterprise Rent-A-Car (1-800-325-8007) and Auto-Rent (716-488-0633) are available.

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Should we bring our bicycles?

In order to better regulate bicycle traffic at Chautauqua and to provide for better enforcement of our rules and regulations about bicycles, the Institution has adopted a new policy which requires the registration of all bicycles. There is no charge for registration and registration stickers can be issued and mailed by the box office along with your ticket order. 

Click here to register your bicycle.

Bicycles are an efficient way to get around the grounds. They must be equipped with a bell or other signaling device and have brakes in working order. After sunset a headlight and rear reflector are required, and New York State law requires that bicyclists under 14 wear a safety helmet. A bicycle rental shop is located on the grounds during the season. Bicycles may be rented from the Jamestown Cycle Shop's Chautauqua location on Massey Avenue, next to the Chautauqua Fire Department, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday, Sunday, noon-6p.m. (716-357-9032). Skateboarding is not permitted on the grounds. Rollerblading is allowed on certain streets.

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What about our boat?

During the summer season, the Institution maintains a service dock complex with slip and mooring facilities. You may reserve rental moorage on a space-available basis at our Central Dock Office. To make reservations before your arrival for the full season call customer service at 716-357-6250. For weekly mooring call 716-357-6288 after May 15.

Chautauqua Lake provides an abundance of game and fish. Muskellunge create the greatest excitement, and the muskie season, from late June to October, draws fisherman from all over the United States and Canada. The lake contains large and smallmouth bass, calico and rock bass, walleyes, and perch among other fish. A bait vending machine is available 24 hours a day at the Central Dock Office during the season.

A fishing license may be purchased at Hogan's Hut on Route 394 near the entrance to Route 17/I-86 in Stow or at the town clerk's office in Mayville.

Click here to buy a boat pass. Gate passes are required for docking privileges.  Click here to buy a gate pass.

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What about pets?

You should check whether or not the owner of your accommodation permits house pets. Pets should be registered (for a $1 fee) at the Chautauqua Police Department on the grounds. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. Dogs are not permitted in certain areas on the grounds. With the exception of dogs assisting disabled people, pets are not permitted in any Chautauqua Institution buildings or program facilities. Clean-up bags for your dog are available free of charge at five locations on the grounds.

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Are religious services available?

During the summer season, services of Christian worship are offered Sundays and weekday mornings. In the afternoon lecture series, fundamental religious truths are examined from broad ecumenical and interfaith points of view. Various seminars are also offered by Chautauqua's Department of Religion. Times and locations of Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish and other services are listed in the weekly program guides. For more information contact the Department of Religion (716-357-6274).

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May I record and/or film performances?

Use of cameras or recording devices in our performance facilities is limited to credentialed news media. Accredited news media should contact the office of Institution Relations at 716-357-6230 or send email to msullivan@ciweb.org.

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Is there a movie theater on the grounds?

Outstanding films, including many award winners, are shown for a fee throughout the season. The Chautauqua Cinema is located at 25 Wythe. In addition to the Cinema ticket cost, a special $1 Cinema pass is required of moviegoers attending from off the grounds. The $1 Cinema pass may be obtained at the Main Gate Ticket Office or the Hurst Auto Gate. Cinema passes are valid for one hour prior to the start of the movie and one hour after the movie has ended. (716-357-2352)

www.uniplexcinemas.com

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What if we'd like to bring our motor home?

There are no facilities for campers or motor homes on the grounds. For information regarding nearby campgrounds contact the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau at 1-800-242-4569 or tourchautauqua.com.

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Does anything happen on the grounds between fall and spring?

The Conference Center at Chautauqua offers custom tailored conference, wedding, meeting and event packages for large and small groups throughout the year. Catering services ranging from modest to luxurious are available at a variety of locations, including the Athenaeum Hotel. For more information contact the Conference Services Department at 716-357-6389. Several year-round accommodations on the grounds are designated as such in the Institution's accommodation directory. The Chautauqua Bookstore is open year-round.  Elderhostel and 55+ programs also run pre- and post-season.  Click here for more information.

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What about banking services?

An M&T Bank automatic teller machine (ATM) is in operation during the summer season in the Colonnade lobby, and money orders are available at the Chautauqua Post Office. There are two full-service banks located in Mayville, approximately four miles from Chautauqua.

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Do you offer group discounts?

Groups of 20 people or more may take advantage of special rates. For details call 716-357-6269.

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Is there any type of fitness center on the grounds?

Chautauqua Health and Fitness is a full-service exercise and weight training facility, with two sites -- the Turner Community Center (year-round) and at Heinz Beach (summer only).  A pool and gym are also available.  Members must be 14 years of age or older. (716/-57-6430)

Massage Spa/Day Spa Services are available for face and body, including massage therapy, facials, manicures, pedicures, reflexology. Men welcome. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. St. Elmo concourse, St. Elmo (716-357-2224)

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What kind of handicapped assistance do you have?

During the season short-term handicapped parking permits may be obtained upon arrival at our Main Gate Welcome Center Ticket Office; wheelchairs may be rented at our Main Gate Welcome Center Information Desk or the Turner Community Center on a daily basis with a $5 nonrefundable deposit. Information regarding long-term rental and advance arrangements are available by calling 716-357-6250. Audio receivers for the hard-of-hearing are available during the season on a first-come basis for events in our major performance facilities.

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Are medical services readily available?

A medical clinic offering non-emergency treatment is located on the grounds during the season (716-357-3209). There are nearby hospitals in Westfield and Jamestown. On-site EMT services are available.

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Do you offer programs for older adults?

Chautauqua's 55-Plus programs include lectures, workshops, recreation and group fellowship. 55-Plus weekend programs are offered in the spring and fall, and a residential week is held the last week of the nine-week summer season. To receive a 55-Plus brochure call 716-357-6269.

For information about week-long Elderhostels held at Chautauqua in the spring and fall, write Elderhostel, 75 Federal Street, Dept. 97, Boston, MA 02110-0194; or call Customer Service at 877-426-8056.

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I heard a Chautauqua lecture on NPR. How do I order it?

The Chautauqua Bookstore sells recordings of Chautauqua Lectures in many media formats. Please visit bookstore.ciweb.org for ordering information.

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I would like internet access while I am staying at Chautauqua. Who are the local ISPs (Internet Service Providers)?

Netsync Internet Services
www.netsync.net
800-642-4294

Comet Internet Services
www.cecomet.net
888-70COMET

888-702-6638

Modem Madness
www.madbbs.com
716-483-2483
888-689-2449

Ask about possible special summer rates for visitors to the Chautauqua Institution.

Internet service is also available during the summer season, along with copying and faxing, through Chautauqua Bookstore's "Business & Computer Services Center" run in conjunction with Chautauqua Lake Central School and located at the Main Gate.

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What else should I know about Chautauqua?

Some Friday night entertainers attract large crowds to our 5,000-seat, open-air Amphitheater, which fills on a first-come (festival seating) basis. Gates open at 7:00 p.m.  It is a good idea to arrive early those nights.

Tours of the grounds are offered daily during the season for a fee.

For Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle (
CLSC) membership information and details about book selections, etc. Call 716-357-6232 before the season and 716-357-6293 during the season.

A list of babysitters is available during the season through Chautauqua's Office of Youth, Recreation and Schools Services. The list, which is updated regularly, is intended as a public service and does not rate or recommend any individual.

The Chautauqua Institution Archives is available for browsing and research.  The Oliver Archives Center is located on Massey Avenue near the South Gate.  (716-357-6332)

A federal post office, located on the grounds, is open year round.

For a ticket order form and updated accommodations directory call 716-357-6250. You can access both forms from this Web site.

The popular Craft Fairs in Bestor Plaza are July 13-15 and August 10-12, 2007. Times are Friday 10:30-5:30; Saturday 10-5:30; and Sunday Noon-5:30.

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ciweb.org FAQs

I see that you offer a lot of PDF files to download documents such as the Special Studies catalog, Accommodations Directory, Annual Report, and more. What is a PDF file and how can I access these files?

Portable Document Format (PDF) is the de facto standard for the secure and reliable distribution and exchange of electronic documents and forms around the world, with a ten-year track record. PDF is a universal file format that preserves the fonts, images, graphics, and layout of any source document, regardless of the application and platform used to create it. Adobe® PDF files are compact and complete, and can be shared, viewed, and printed by anyone with free Adobe Reader® software. To date, more than 500 million copies of the software have been distributed. You can convert any document to Adobe PDF using Adobe Acrobat® software products, enabling business, engineering, and creative professionals to create, distribute, and exchange secure and reliable Adobe PDF documents.

Adobe® Reader® 6.0 is free software that lets you view and print PDF files on a variety of hardware and operating system platforms. The latest version (6.0) of the familiar Adobe Acrobat® Reader provides a host of rich features that enable you to:

  • Submit Adobe PDF forms that are created with fillable form fields in such applications as Adobe Acrobat 6.0 Professional and Adobe Form Designer
  • Play back a variety of embedded multimedia content, such as QuickTime and MP3 files
  • Read and organize high-fidelity eBooks
  • Activate search and accessibility capabilities built into your PDF files
  • Display Adobe Photoshop® Album slide shows and electronic cards and export images for online photo processing (online photo services vary regionally)

Download Adobe® Reader® 6.0 here.

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Copyright © 2008 Chautauqua Institution | PO Box 28 | Chautauqua | New York | 14722 | 1.800.836.ARTS
The Chautauqua Institution Web site is designed & maintained by David G. Kindervater.
Photography this page by Bruce Fox.
.