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  Erie's Think Tank For Community Progress

  On December 2, 2009 the Jefferson Educational Society was declared by the Council of the City of Erie to be “Erie’s Official Think Tank.” This resolution was passed unanimously as the JES seeks to share ideas through public discourse, offers many classes covering pertinent issues of the City, Commonwealth and Nation and initiated the Global Futures Summit. A certificate was presented by Pat Cappabianca to the Jefferson and is on display in the offices. A copy of the resolution has also been placed in the historical archives of the City of Erie. Learn more about upcoming events here.

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  2014 Spring Schedule - Register Now!

  The 2014 Spring Schedule consists of 23 total programs - including 4 Brock Institute lectures and the return of "Living History Week"! Click here to view the schedule and register today!

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  Erie Regional History Challenge to Debut

  Erie Times-News in Education has partnered with the Jefferson Educational Society to offer the first ever “Erie Regional History Challenge” for students in grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. All schools belonging to the Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit #5 or the Erie Diocese Catholic Schools are eligible to participate. Click HERE for more information and the rules and regulations!

   

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  LECTURE ON MACHIAVELLI RESCHEDULED

  Program Moved from April 23, 2014 to May 13, 2014

  Dr. William P. Garvey was scheduled to present his program, “Effective Political Leadership vs. Morality: Machiavelli’s 500 Year-Old Advice,” at 7 PM Wednesday, April 23. Due to unforeseen circumstances, however, this lecture has been RESCHEDULED for Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 7 PM at the Jefferson Educational Society (3207 State Street, Erie, PA 16508). Register for this program by clicking HERE.

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  Living History Week Returns to the Jefferson Educational Society!

  “Living History Week” – sponsored by Little Caesars - returns in the Jefferson Educational Society’s 2014 Spring Term. Four re-enactors from the American Historical Theatre in Philadelphia, PA will visit the JES for programs that will literally bring history to life! Don't miss Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Sojourner Truth, and George Washington this spring! CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.

   

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  ECGRA Grant Money Works Here!

  A grant-making organization, ECGRA’s mission is to empower the nonprofit sector toward economic and community development. Since February 2008, ECGRA has invested over $26 million in Erie County thanks to the innovative leadership of members of the ECGRA Board of Directors and staff, and Erie County Council. Learn how ECGRA Grant Money Works when you visit ECGRA.org or call 814-897-2690.

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  The Perry 200 Souvenir Book is NOW AVAILABLE!

  This special publication includes descriptions and photos of events held over this historic two-year celebration, a history of the Niagara, approximately 200 photos, and a section highlighting 28 significant organizations in the Erie area with company history ads.

  Get your copy at the Erie Maritime Museum gift shop- 150 East Front Street - for $15! Flagship Niagara League members can purchase the book for $12. The Erie Maritime Museum gift shop can be contacted at 814-452-2744 ext. 208.

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  "Taking part in the Jefferson Society's Global Summit V was a great experience. The Summit meets a real need, providing a forum for raising big questions about where the world is heading in the coming decades. Any city would be proud to have an organization like the Jefferson Society." - Ian Morris, PhD., Stanford University

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  ATTENTION TEACHERS: 

  Participate in a program at the Jefferson and receive ACT 48 hours! The following school districts accept ACT 48 hours from Jefferson programs: Corry School District, Erie School District, Erie Catholic Diocese, Erie Day School, Fort LeBoeuf School District, Girard School District, Harborcreek School District, and the Wattsburg Area School District.

The Jefferson Educational Society

The Jefferson Educational Society of Erie (JES) is a non-profit institution founded to promote civic enlightenment, and community progress for the Erie Region through the study, research, discussion, of those ideas and events that have influenced the human condition. The Society, therefore, will offer courses, seminars, and lectures which explain the central ideas which have formed the past, assist in exploring the present, and offer guidance to enhance the civic future of the Erie Region.

Past Events

Cyberwar: What It Is and Why It's Going to Happen

Recent events have brought the issue of Cyberspace and National Security to the forefront of our daily news, with breathless announcements that a cyberwar was underway…but what do we mean by “cyberwar?” This session will explore what a cyberwar might be, and perhaps more importantly, what it is not. We will examine what might constitute a cyberwar, how it might impact us, and what elements of our economy, society, and national security might be vulnerable and at risk.