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Chautauqua Institution Archives

search the archives
Virtual Exhibits
Color our Collections

The Chautauqua Institution Archives is both an Institution repository and a collection repository. The Oliver Archives Center is located at the corner of South and Massey Avenues. Visits can be arranged by appointment, Monday through Friday, by emailing jschmitz@chq.org or calling 716-357-6332. 

The parent, the Chautauqua Institution, is supported by a records management program which allows the repository to receive records directly. The Archives also builds its holdings through the acquisition of papers, records and artifacts from sources that are not administratively affiliated with the Institution. 

The mission of the Chautauqua Institution Archives is to identify, organize, preserve, and protect the printed, microfilmed, taped, photographic, and other records, and selected artifacts and museum pieces to add to the general and scholarly understanding of the Chautauqua Institution and the Chautauqua Movement.

The Chautauqua Institution Archives staff assists the public throughout the year. Please stop in the research room of the Archives and explore Chautauqua’s history. Researchers and inquiries should be directed to the Oliver Archives Center.

Contact Information

Archivist

Jonathan Schmitz
jschmitz@chq.org
716.357.6332

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Heritage Lecture Series

Each season, Chautauqua Institution Archives also presents its Heritage Lecture Series, which combines the research of Archives staff with notable historians and Chautauqua scholars in order to explore the rich history of Chautauqua and its effect on American culture. View the Heritage Lecture Series schedule.

Chautauqua Property Owners House History Project

The Chautauqua Institution and the Chautauqua Property Owners Association are updating the existing inventory of historical resources in our community.

The houses of Chautauqua tell a remarkable story. The story of our homes has almost continuously changed and evolved. Have you ever wondered who built your house and how and why it was used? And, if modifications were made, why and when were they done, and what exactly was changed?

Although there is a file in the archives with the address of your house, there is often scant information beyond the history of the title changes. However, many current homeowners have a good sense of the story of their homes. We are hoping to fill in some of the blanks before even more of the stories are lost.

We are interested in any information you would like to share about yourselves and the current use of your house. We are, after all, merely stewards of the fabric of this amazing place. Years from now, the new owners will be fascinated by your story. In addition, we are asking all homeowners who are planning a modification to describe their plans and the planning process. What is being modified, and why are you proposing this change?

We would also be interested in any information you can share about the history of your house. Please fill out this brief questionnaire.

House History Form

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