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 MemberHarborcreek Satellite: The Relationship of the US and Putin From 2000 to the Ukrainian War
George Deutsch , B.S. When Vladimir Putin assumed the Presidency of the Russian Federation after a chaotic post-Soviet decade, there was hope in Washington and the West that the rapprocheme... Read More »Grow Erie: Revitalizing and Reimagining Investment in Community
Tina Mengine , B.S. In January 2025, in partnership with the Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) and Integrated Agriculture Systems (INTAG) the Minority Community Investment Coa... Read More »Lake Erie Fish Wars: 'Shots Fired at Local Fishermen'
Dr. David Frew, Ph.D. Did you know that there was once a 10-year stretch when armed Canadian revenue ships declared war on the fishermen of Erie, Pennsylvania? Gillnetting on the 'wrong sid... 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 begins 2025 programming with wine, health, global affairs, and day-long conference for aspiring women leaders
