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 MemberMarch, Run, Vote: Graphic Storytelling and the Fight for Democracy
Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell On April 30, 2026, the Supreme Court of the United States dismantled the Voting Rights Act, one of the defining pieces of legislation of the Civil Rights Movement in t... Read More »VIRTUAL - March, Run, Vote: Graphic Storytelling and the Fight for Democracy
Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell Location: ZOOM – A link to access the event will be sent to you in a seperate email. Date/Time: Thursday, October 29th 7:00-8:30pm Admission: $25.00 Sponsor: ... Read More »The 1619 Project: Examining the Origins of American Slavery 400 Years Later
Nikole Hannah-Jones Location: Bayfront Convention Center - 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507 Date/Time: Wednesday, November 4th 7:00-8:30pm Admission: General Admission $ 36.05 / P... 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 honors American heritage, discusses local progress through winter programming
JES to host President Barack Obama at Global Su...
Dr. Robert Garland to return for second residency
Football powerhouse Jim Kelly joins JES Global ...
