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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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  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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  Global Summit V was our most successful Summit to date!

  Thank you, Erie, for your participation!

  Check out pictures of the events here: https://www.jeserie.org/photos/global-summit-programs/summit-5.

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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

Poverty in Asia: The Enigma of Bangladesh

This presentation will discuss the enigmatic nature of Bangladesh, focusing on the worldview of the nation and its capacity to overcome present challenges. Although seen as an impoverished nation, Bangladesh has much to offer. It is quite an enigma due to its burgeoning growth sector and various opportunities despite the challenges of governance, poor infrastructure and low human capital.