The Jefferson Educational Society (JES) has announced its most expansive summer programming lineup yet, offering 42 events from July through September, including two week-long scholar residencies and a diverse mix of lectures, concerts, panel discussions, and walking tours.

The season kicks off July 7 with the return of acclaimed historian Dr. Robert Garland, whose residency series, “What a Difference a Day Makes,” opens with The Battle of Salamis: Sept. 28, 480 BC. 

“This summer’s lineup is one of our most ambitious and wide-ranging to date,” said Dr. Ferki Ferati, JES President. “From deep dives into history and government to dynamic discussions on pop culture and Erie’s future, we’re proud to bring nationally recognized scholars and homegrown experts to the JES stage.”

List of events: 

Weeklong Residencies: 

   •July 7–11: A Day in History series with Dr. Robert Garland (Battle of Salamis, Ides of March, Gunpowder Plot, Archduke Ferdinand, Hiroshima)

   •Aug. 11–15: The Founding in Perspective series with Dr. Jay Cost (Washington, Adams, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison)

Lectures & Events:

   •July 16: Government & nonprofits with Adam Bratton

   •July 17: Jazz & blues history in Erie

   •July 21: Inclusive future with Alivia Haibach

   •July 22: Local economic growth with Lavea Brachman

   •July 24: LECOM Health series (topic TBA)

   •July 28 (AM): Walking tour of two Erie churches (Michael DeSanctis)

   •July 28 (PM): Ending discrimination by job/family background

   •July 29: Music for Lafayette concert

   •July 30: Gannon’s Project NePTWNE (Dr. Sam Mason)

   •Aug. 4: Accidental Paradise Presque Isle tour (David Frew)

   •Aug. 5: Great Lakes trail vision (Dr. John Hartig)

   •Aug. 6: “Supermarket Sermons” book talk (Michael DeSanctis)

   •Aug. 20: Erie Together community impact

   •Aug. 25: Redistricting reform (Carol Kuniholm)

   •Aug. 27: Erie County Community College update

Satellite Locations:

ECAT:

   •July 31: Redistricting 101 (Michael Bucell)

   •Aug. 7: Mapping slavery in the Civil War (Brian Graff)

   •Aug. 21: Autism hub in rural PA (Kathryn DiVittorio)

   •Sept. 4: Pop culture & race (American Requiem w/ Erie’s Black Wall Street)

   •Sept. 25: News career journey (Michael Allen, ABC News)

Fairview – Lincoln Community Library:

   •July 14: Civil War Union Timberclads (Brian Graff)

   •Aug. 4: Redistricting basics

   •Aug. 18: AI & jellybeans (Dr. Leighann Forbes)

   •Sept. 22: Authoritarianism in Russia (Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned)

   •Sept. 29: LECOM lecture (topic TBA)

Corry – Corry Hi-Ed Council

   •July 15: Men in Crisis series intro (Dr. Jeff Bloodworth)

   •Aug. 19: Civil War balloon corps (Brian Graff)

   •Aug. 26: Redistricting reform (Carol Kuniholm)

   •Sept. 23: Mapping slavery in Civil War era (Brian Graff)

East County – Harborcreek Township

   •July 23: Ukraine & Russia analysis (Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned)

   •July 30: Autism support hub (Kathryn DiVittorio)

   •Sept. 3: Men in Crisis series (Dr. Jeff Bloodworth)

   •Sept. 10: Redistricting reform basics

Most programs are free and hosted at the JES main campus at 3207 State Street, with some events offered at satellite locations or virtually.

For more details, registration, and the full summer schedule, visit JESErie.org or call 814-459-8000.