Programs
The Jefferson Educational Society offers different programs during the Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall terms. Some of the past and current programs include the Global Summit, Metro 100, Brock Institute Lectures, Community Conversations, Jefferson Satellite programs, and other special programs.
Join Us at an Event
Publications
The JES, it's writers, researchers, and Scholars-in-Residence publish various books, essays, journals, quick timely reads, book-notes, and reports about a wide range of topics. In 2022, the writers produced a record year, creating more than 140 publications.
Enjoy a Reading
Membership
By becoming a member of the Jefferson, you will have access to benefits including: priority registration of events; advance notice of programs and lectures; an increased number of free events available to members; invitations to special member events; and subscriptions to JES publications.
Become a MemberHaborcreek Satellite: 'America's Early Frontier: Economic History of Northwestern Pennsylvania (1753-2024)' – Diving into Haborcreek Chapters
Judith Lynch , Ph.D. From the early French forts, commerce on Lake Erie, and the oil boom to today's new technology and tourism industry, northwestern Pennsylvania's economy comes alive in... Read More »US-Canada Comparisons and Relations in 2025: What's Happening, What's Next?
Robert Speel, Ph.D. Do Canadians want to be a 51st State? How is Canada responding to tariffs and tariff threats? Do Canada and the U.S. still have the longest undefended border in the wo... Read More »Main Street Economic Development: The Flagship City Food Hall as a Growth Model
Drew Whiting , J.D. Drew Whiting, the CEO of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation, and the EDDC team will discuss the way the Food Hall has been used as a tool for Main Street ec... Read More »Advancing Community Progress in Erie, Pennsylvania
The Jefferson Educational Society (JES) of Erie is a nonprofit institution where conversations commence and ideas take action. We were founded to promote civic enlightenment and community progress for the Erie Region through the study, research, and discussion of those ideas and events that have influenced the human condition. The Society offers courses, seminars, and lectures which explain the central ideas that have formed the past, assist in exploring the present, and offer guidance to enhance the civic future of the Erie Region.
JES continues 2025 programming
JES begins 2025 programming with wine, health, ...
JES Announces 2025 Global Summit Headliner
JES Global Summit XVI Speaker Series
