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Upcoming Meetings and Notices
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Board of Managers Thursday, April 17th @ 6:30pm
(note change of day, week and time - meetings will now be held on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30)
Zoom link will be sent via Chautauqua Talk
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Welcome to The Pennsylvania Chautauqua
The purpose and mission of The Pennsylvania Chautauqua shall be the advancement of literary, scientific, intellectual, physical and social welfare and the promotion of cultural and religious/spiritual activity and recreation
For over 125 years the Pennsylvania Chautauqua has been a quiet retreat where art, culture, spiritualism, nature and community come together.
The Pennsylvania Chautauqua is located in the borough of Mount Gretna, a small Victorian community founded in the late 1800’s as a summer resort. Initially the only way for residents to reach their cottages in the tree-covered rolling hills of south central Pennsylvania was to travel by train. Mount Gretna was a stop along the Cornwall Lebanon Railroad line that has since become the Lebanon Valley Rails to Trails. Our streets were footpaths until automobiles became the mode of travel. Many of the original cottages surround an open-air playhouse where numerous cultural events are held. Our quaint atmosphere attracts many visitors every summer for Gretna Music, the Original Mt. Gretna Cicada Music Festival, Gretna Theater, and the Mount Gretna Area Historical Society, a visit to the local ice cream shop and lake, or just a walk in the woods. While we enjoy our quiet winters, we welcome with open arms the visitors who come to experience the Pennsylvania Chautauqua, stroll the tree lined streets, admire the historical buildings and participate in the variety of programs we offer to fulfill our mission.
Mount Gretna 101
What Is A Chautauqua?
Chautauqua was founded as an outdoor educational experience for Sunday school teachers by John Heyl Vincent, a Methodist Minister and Lewis Miller, a local businessman on Lake Chautauqua, New York in 1874. The summer camp format proved to be popular with families - thus began The Chautauqua Institute. After its inception the movement spread rapidly through the United States, bringing education, culture, physical and religious activities as well as entertainment to rural America. There were over two hundred Chautauquas at the height of the movement. The advent of the automobile, the radio and movie theaters caused the demise of most of the Chautauquas.
Chautauqua today is organized around its four pillars: Arts, Education, Religion, and Recreation. Each area is woven into the schedules of the Chautauquas.
If you are interested in learning more about the programming offered by the Pennsylvania Chautauqua, view our Summer Programs.
You can learn more about Chautauquas by visiting one of the 17 existing Chautauquas that comprise the Chautauqua Trail and by visiting the following web site. http://www.chautauquatrail.com
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Borough Noise Ordinance
Chautauquans treasure the peace and tranquility of our community. For many residents, relaxing, reading, reflecting, and rocking on porches is the highlight of the summer. Neighborly consideration encourages that noisy outside projects be done September thru May, leaving the summer months and Sundays “quiet” for everyone’s enjoyment.
Professional contractors, do it yourself repairs, and/or the use of power equipment is permitted Monday through Saturday from Sept. 16th until the day before Memorial Day between the hours of 7am - 7pm.
Professional contractors, do it yourself repairs, and/or the use of power equipment is also permitted from Memorial Day to September 15th between the hours of 8am - 5pm.
No work of any kind or the use of power equipment is permitted on any SUNDAY.
No work of any kind or the use of power equipment is permitted on SATURDAY from Memorial Day to September 16th.
Chautauquans treasure the peace and tranquility of our community. For many residents, relaxing, reading, reflecting, and rocking on porches is the highlight of the summer. Neighborly consideration encourages that noisy outside projects be done September thru May, leaving the summer months and Sundays “quiet” for everyone’s enjoyment.
Professional contractors, do it yourself repairs, and/or the use of power equipment is permitted Monday through Saturday from Sept. 16th until the day before Memorial Day between the hours of 7am - 7pm.
Professional contractors, do it yourself repairs, and/or the use of power equipment is also permitted from Memorial Day to September 15th between the hours of 8am - 5pm.
No work of any kind or the use of power equipment is permitted on any SUNDAY.
No work of any kind or the use of power equipment is permitted on SATURDAY from Memorial Day to September 16th.
| OK to use Construction/power equip | No Construction/power equip. | No Construction/power equip. | |
| Memorial Day-Sept. 15th |
8am - 5pm
Monday-Friday
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5pm - 8am Monday - Friday |
Saturday & Sunday |
| Sept. 16th - day before Memorial Day | 7am - 7pm Monday - Saturday |
7pm - 7am Monday - Saturday |
Sunday |
| All Federal Holidays | All Federal Holidays |
| To support our mission please donate to the Pennsylvania Chautauqua FoundationThe Chautauqua Foundation operates within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Charitable donations are tax deductible. |
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| Pennsylvania Chautauqua Pole Banner |
 This decorative double-sided pole banner makes a nice addition to any cottage.
Finished size 23.75” x 51"
with double pockets.
$120 includes tax.
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| Contact Info |
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The Pennsylvania Chautauqua
PO Box 637
Mount Gretna, PA 17064
General Inquiries: 717-964-3270
Hall of Philosophy Rental: 717-964-3270
Summer Programs: 717-200-1187
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| Quick Links |
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| Chautauqua Update Letter |
| 2025 Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show Banner |
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