Sustaining Chautauqua’s Mission

The Bell Tower Society recognizes those who generously provide recurring gifts to the Chautauqua Fund, providing consistent and sustainable support. Monthly giving is budget friendly, saves time and resources, and is an easy way to ensure Chautauqua receives your ongoing support and endorsement.

The Miller Bell Tower

The Bell Tower was dedicated on August 1, 1911 as a memorial to Lewis Miller, one of the founders of Chautauqua Institution. In an address to commemorate him, co-founder John Heyl Vincent provided an overview of Lewis Miller’s life and accomplishments, concluding with:

Let us therefore, as we dedicate this tower to the memory of the generous and honored Lewis Miller, our friend and brother, make it a tribute to his work, a recognition of his invaluable contribution of the Chautauqua Institution; and let us personally resolve that we will sustain to the utmost of our ability the great work to which he devoted himself.

Through this historical lens and symbol of enduring commitment, the society which recognizes those who provide consistent support to Chautauqua with a monthly gift is named named the Bell Tower Society. These generous, ongoing investments will sustain the future of Chautauqua and honor the loyal commitments of those who have come before us.