Current Conferences

2008 Elderhostels at Montreat

Assembly Inn

General Information

Learning is a lifelong pursuit that opens minds and enriches lives. Elderhostel participants come to Montreat from every walk of life to learn together, to exchange ideas, and to explore the world. Accommodations in the beautiful Assembly Inn, overlooking Lake Susan, are double occupancy (limited singles with an extra charge) with private baths. The Inn includes spacious lounges, classrooms, and dining facilities. Comprehensive fees include program, housing (double occupancy), and meals at the Assembly Inn. Sponsored by Montreat Conference Center, in cooperation with Elderhostel, Inc.

Program Fee

Comprehensive fee: $512 – $650

Registration Information

Download a list of programs offered at Montreat!

Visit www.elderhostel.org or call 877.426.8056 toll free for comprehensive fees and registration information. Some of these programs are tentative and pending Elderhostel approval. They will be listed on the Elderhostel website when registration is available. Tip: Type “Montreat” in the search field on the Elderhostel website, and it will bring up all current programs we sponsor.

Program Dates

March 30 – April 4, 2008

Program #15554

  • The American Economy and Its Global Competitiveness Review the current condition of our nation’s economy and its global competitiveness with China, India, and Russia, using presentations and discussion. Background in economics is not necessary. George Yates
  • Compelling Characters and Peculiar Places Let’s meet politician Zebulon Vance, scout Kit Carson, writer Thomas Wolfe, artisan Stuart Nye, WWI dissenters, members of Civil War regiments, feuding mountaineers, and many others from this peculiar place. Righton McCallum
  • The Origins of Mountain Ballads and the Art of Storytelling Ballads are stories set to music, and often passed along to teach a lesson. The old “love songs” from England and Scotland were preserved in the mountain culture, where they were handed down through the generations. Learn about the rich heritage of the oral tradition, and why it is important for us today. Marilyn McMinn McCredie

April 20 – 25, 2008

Program #16087

  • The Great Jesus Debates How did the Christian church get its doctrines of the Trinity, of the two natures of Christ, and of grace? How and why were the creeds developed, and where did the New Testament come from? Explore a history of saintliness and brilliance as well as skullduggery, jealousies, and politics, and discuss the relevance to the struggles of today’s Christians. Douglas W. Johnson
  • Echoes Down the Corridor of Time Explore how The Diaspora in 135 AD, the destruction of Baghdad by the Mongols in 1258, the 16th Century triumphs of the conquistadors, and the 30-Years War in the 17th Centry have affected the times in which we live. Hal Hogstrom
  • Making Music for Fun Make music using your ears, voice, eyes, bodily movement, and the piano keyboard to explore the world of music through activities involving singing, listening, moving, reading, performing, and creating. Bill Mandle

Program #16088

  • Five Pillars in Five Days: Islam in a Nutshell This course offers a basic overview of the history and beliefs of Islam, the world’s fastest growing and second largest religion. Comparisons to Christianity will be made. Steve Wilkerson
  • The West and the World: Britain as a Case Study As we look at the background of the racial/cultural/economic struggles in our world today, Britain demonstrates the pros and cons of the West in modern development in government, economics, and relationships. Alton Hancock
  • Total Conditioning: A Comprehensive Wellness Program This program is designed for persons of all abilities who seek to improve their total well being through body/mind integration. Comprehensive instruction will be presented in breathing, posture, stretching/strengthening, etc. Tools to improve, prevent, and/or reverse adverse effects. Maya Andrau

Program #8999

  • Mountain Wildflowers And Forest Ecology: An Appalachian Spring Appalachian forests today are vastly different from those of the past. Explore forest ecology while investigating past and present conditions which affect the ever-changing forests. Examine how mountain ranges were formed, and how this relates to local ecology. Learn how weather affects the environment and why meteorologists have such difficulty predicting weather. Walk the pathways of western NC’s gentler mountains as we amble through, taking time to actually see (and sometimes smell) the wondrous flowers of an Appalachian Spring. Learn about the life and botany of our mountains; then spend afternoons hiking (on moderate trails) in search of orchids, trillium, and hundreds of other wildflowers blooming along wooded paths. Bring sketch books and wear good hiking shoes. Moderate trails on uneven terrain with rocks and roots (in the mountains!), 2 to 4 miles in length.

April 27 – May 2, 2008

Program #16093

  • Travel Back In Time: The History Of Trains And Customs Of The Southern Appalachians As the high iron tunneled and climbed westward, momentous decisions, scandals, and tragedies rolled through Appalachia. Examine the far-reaching ramifications of steam travel with railroad experts, from innovative engineering feats to the toiling laborers and rich tycoons behind their construction. Relive the romance of this bygone era as you ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to Dillsboro and Bryson City. Discover how the railroads affected the economy and culture of this mountain area on narrated visits to historic railroad depots-turned-museums such as Biltmore Station and Round House. Learn and sing the songs inspired by train travel and, in the evening, screen and discuss films from 1927 to 1993 that are fixtures of railroad lore.

May 18 – 23, 2008

Program #11238

  • The Science of Harmony The beauty of harmony will be outlined, showing the connections between classical works such as those of Bach and Mozart with harmonic progressions used in popular songs and movies. Classes will include multimedia presentations and live performances. Michael Ruiz
  • From Bach to Bernstein: A Survey of Musical Styles Through the Ages An overview of classical music from Baroque period to the present. Listen to some of the great composers from each era and compare their styles. Explore how their music was influenced by social, religious, and political conditions. Eunice Stackhouse
  • Broadway at Montreat: Choral Style (A Choral Performance) From “Pajamas to Patter-songs to Pirates”, singers have always prided themselves on ensemble numbers in musical theater productions. This is YOUR chance to join the ranks of Broadway casts as you “tra-la-la” and “hoof it” on Montreat’s Great White Way (as Broadway is affectionately known). Come have fun with “Steam Heat,” “Hernando’s Hideaway” and “7 and a Half Cents,” all from THE PAJAMA GAME—-and be sure to bring your PAJAMAS! (No auditions necessary, just the desire to have fun with music.) Ruth Sieber Johnson, soprano, will be leading this musical experience.

Program #16094

  • Mountain Mysteries Worth Solving What is buried in Graveyard Fields? Where is Thomas Wolfe’s angel? How’s a geyser harnessed? What’s Bat Cave? Is there a connection between the mothers of Kit Carson and Thomas Wolfe? Come explore these mysteries and others. Righton McCallum
  • Photography for the Amateur The basic concepts of photography that can improve anyone’s photographs. Topics include; Effective ways to frame subjects in the camera viewfinder, spotting good vs bad lighting and background situations, and using various camera techniques to creatively enhance photographs. Both digital and film shooters can benefit equally from this course. Perrin Todd
  • Black Mountain College: A Radical Vision Black Mountain College, existing near Asheville, NC, from 1933 to 1956, was a small liberal arts college. It became legendary for its radically innovative approach to learning and for its impact on 20th Century culture, especially in literature and the visual arts. Explore the nature and history of the college through three major topics: community, education, and arts. A field trip to the College Museum and Arts Center will be included.

August 17 – 22, 2008

Program #15069

  • Piracy Along the Seacoasts of the Americas In the Pirate Golden Age, the Carolinas became a focus, with Blackbeard one central figure. The plunderers under the Black Flag deserve our attention in a world that still feels the breath of buccaneers in many places. Bob Hartje
  • North Carolina Authors: The Oral Tradition Put in Writing Read and enjoy gifted and talented southern writers such as Lee Smith, Clyde Edgerton, Sharon McCrumb and others who craft their stories like precious jewels – multi-faceted and rich with humor, pathos, and intrigue. Annie Hall
  • Appalachian Music and Culture: Southern Mountain Musical Traditions A survey of the rich tapestry of southern Appalachian music and its cultural significance. A delightful and participatory exploration of balladry, folk songs, dulcimer, play parties, and shaped note singing. Anne Lough

Program #16131

  • Brave Hearts and Bonnie Princes: Scotland’s History and Culture Through Music Use the songs of Scotland to explore the history of a magic land. Who are the peoples of Scotland? What are some of the significant periods of Scottish history which have influenced our culture in America? What’s happening in Scotland today? Flora MacDonald Gammon
  • Ballads—Scottish and English Popular Narratives Delve into ancient stories of honor, betrayal, mystery, comedy, and love sprinkled throughout the legacy of Scotland and England. Focus on collected European ballads. Learn form and poetic devices specific to ballads and write ballads of your own. Bobbie Pell
  • Scottish Country Dancing It’s up on your toes for the jigs, reels, and strathspeys of Scotland’s traditional social dancing! Return to the origins of our big circles, squares, and contras. The history of the dance is also included. If you can walk, you can dance. Bring soft soled shoes: no sneakers or rubber soles. Class participants do not need to bring a partner. Flora MacDonald Gammon

September 21 – 26, 2008

Program #16513

  • The American Civil War This course will trace the history of the American Civil War (1860-1865), its causes and results, with an emphasis on the military history and the personalities involved, North and South. David Dyer
  • Reconstruction and Formation of the New South Events between 1865 and 1905 shaped the South for the next fifty years. In recent decades new interpretations provide us a clearer picture of what happened. The course is designed for Southerners who want to understand their past and for others to whom the South is something of a mystery. Tom Sanders
  • Mark Twain – Storytelling Curmudgeon This course gives a brief history of the life of Mark Twain, his impact on literature, and his ability to make us laugh while he was preaching and teaching. Marvin Cole

Program #16514

  • The Middle East: Early 20th Century to Present Geopolitics, resources, colonialism, and nationalism bestow on the Middle East international importance. We will look at the course of Middle Eastern history over the past century and examine its impact on current world affairs in that part of the world. Ahmad Amara
  • History of Christianity With an emphasis on the movements of renewal and reform, this class will cover the history of Christianity from a small Palestinian movement to the modern American and global Church. David Dyer
  • Self Care for Savvy Seniors Learn techniques to help you enhance your own overall well-being, restore your body’s balance, and relieve stress, discomfort, and/or pain in your body. We will do practical exercises: seated, standing, lying down—all within your personal comfort and range of movement. Linda McCrea

October 5 – 10, 2008

Program #16515

  • Two Truths Are Told: Exploring Palestinian/Israeli National Narratives Explore the possibilities of peace and the achievement of justice in a land (Israel/Palestine) whose inhabitants appear to hold irreconcilable positions on issues of Truth and History. Tony Bing
  • Exclusiveness and Intolerance: A Study in Jewish/Christian Relations Explore the attitudes of Jews and Christians toward each other, from the first century CE to modern times. Special emphasis will be placed on the beginning of the conflict, because its proper understanding enables one to comprehend the problem of these relations in its entirety. Suggestions on how an informed dialogue between the two groups can advance mutual respect and agreement. Walter Ziffer
  • Psalms: Songs that Unite Often referred to as the “hymnal” of Israel, the poetic message of the psalms has inspired writers and composers for centuries. Enjoy exploring this literary treasury and its finest musical settings. Diane Claybrook

Program #16516

  • Unmasked: a Literary Take on the Creative Spirit We will examine creativity in three forms: drama, the novel, and poetry. Shakespeare, Austen, Dickinson, and Milosz wrote in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries; all four embody a special originality of form and thought. An examination of certain bits of their work should engender lively discussion and comment from all participants. Angela Baisley
  • Art through the Ages Just about everything in life from your view of religion to your environment to fashion or to architecture is influenced by the history of art through the ages. The design of a new product is always preceded by researching to the past and art is at the top of the list. This class will follow the history of art beginning with the cave paintings of Cro-Magnon Man, on through Classical Greece and Rome, the Middle ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque, European Classic art, and wind up with the Modern art of today. The lectures will be accompanied with images and a few short films. Peter Loewer
  • History of Mountain Music and Dance Learn about the roots of our mountain music while being mightily entertained. A blend of lecture and discussion, film footage, photos, live and recorded music will provide a detailed look at these folks and allow us to listen to the people who made the music. Don Pedi

October 26 – 31, 2008

Program #16517

  • Sources of Tension in the Middle East Explore current US foreign policy as we grapple with dilemmas posed by insurgents, terrorists, and friends in the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan. Review and analyze recent developments in Afghanistan, including the Karzi government, Al Qaeda, the Taliban, Pakistan’s connections, Waziristan, and U.S. policy. A brief overview of geopolitical factors, relevant historical events, and strategic value for the global powers. Mary Lasher
  • International Human Rights An introduction to international human rights as related to history, law, politics, religion and ethics. We will also learn of advocacy groups that defend human rights and consider whether we may be at a “tipping point” worldwide with regard to human rights. David Sweatt
  • This Land is Your Land Experience the folk music revival and its social impact through the voices of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan and others who spoke through their music during times of poverty, social unrest, unionization, and the civil rights movement. Anne Lough

Program #16518

  • Behind Closed Doors: The Dramatic Lives and Poetry of Lord Byron and Percy B. Shelley The love lives of swashbuckling Byron and passionate Shelley were as radical as their politics and their poetry. Examine the works they wrote and the women they loved, including Lady Caroline Lamb, Augusta Leigh, and the talented Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, whose novel Frankenstein surpassed anything created by these two famous men. Phoebe Smith
  • Black Robes of Power Isolated in closed chambers, nine unelected Justices comprise the branch of our government most shrouded in mystery, misunderstanding, and myth. See how the Court operates as law, politics, and personalities collide within this inner sanctum. Bob Smith
  • Folk Songs of the British Isles Celebrate the life and culture of these island people with their ancient body of folk song. From old ballads and carols, love songs, songs of war, sea and pub, hymns and Celtic airs to the songs of Robert Burns, we’ll enjoy singing and hearing these timeless tunes. Anne Lough

December 7 – 12, 2008

Program #10345

  • The Biltmore Estate Discuss the men who took prominent roles in the building of the house and laying out the grounds of Biltmore—Fred Miles, Karl Bitter, Guastivino, Smith, Hunt, and Olmstead. Examine the Gilded Age and experience a day in the life of the Vanderbilts. Hear about the present owners. Tour the Biltmore Estate, beautifully decorated for the holidays, and enjoy dinner and music at the estate. Sing the carols that could be heard throughout the home while hearkening to the poetic pleasures of Lord Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning, and Matthew Arnold. While the owners delighted in literary pursuits, the staff enjoyed fanciful tales from the oral tradition. Join us for poetic musings, English folktales, and Victorian carols. Bill Adam and Anne Lough

Program #15510

  • An Appalachian Mountain Christmas Experience the history, hospitality, and beauty of an Appalachian Christmas. In these timeless mountains, gain a humorous, touching glimpse of the simple traditions that were reality for the mountain people who regarded Christmas as important family time. Share in three centuries of memories and age-old customs of Christmas in the mountains. Listen to stories passed down from generation to generation, make simple folk toys and decorations, and participate in singing and dancing. Admire the beauty and learn the history of the Appalachian Mountain dulcimer and its contribution to the region’s musical traditions. Discover firsthand the joy and ease of playing this lovely, soothing instrument that requires no experience to play simple songs. Marilyn McMinn McCredie

December 14 – 19, 2008

Program #10345

  • The Biltmore Estate Discuss the men who took prominent roles in the building of the house and laying out the grounds of Biltmore—Fred Miles, Karl Bitter, Guastivino, Smith, Hunt, and Olmstead. Examine the Gilded Age and experience a day in the life of the Vanderbilts. Hear about the present owners. Tour the Biltmore Estate, beautifully decorated for the holidays, and enjoy dinner and music at the estate. Sing the carols that could be heard throughout the home while hearkening to the poetic pleasures of Lord Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning, and Matthew Arnold. While the owners delighted in literary pursuits, the staff enjoyed fanciful tales from the oral tradition. Join us for poetic musings, English folktales, and Victorian carols. Bill Adam and Bobbie Pell

Program #15510

  • An Appalachian Mountain Christmas Experience the history, hospitality, and beauty of an Appalachian Christmas. In these timeless mountains, gain a humorous, touching glimpse of the simple traditions that were reality for the mountain people who regarded Christmas as important family time. Share in three centuries of memories and age-old customs of Christmas in the mountains. Listen to stories passed down from generation to generation, make simple folk toys and decorations, and participate in singing and dancing. Admire the beauty and learn the history of the Appalachian Mountain dulcimer and its contribution to the region’s musical traditions. Discover firsthand the joy and ease of playing this lovely, soothing instrument that requires no experience to play simple songs. Marilyn McMinn McCredie & Anne Lough

Download information about the 2008 Elderhostel Programs at Montreat. If you would like this information mailed to you via U.S. mail, please email carolo[at]montreat.org. You may also visit the Elderhostel web site or call 877.426.8056 for more details and to register online.

Check out our Intergenerational Elderhostel Program, August 3-8, 2008, designed for Elderhostelers and their grandchildren. Plus, visit our WILD & WACKY photo album from the 2007 Intergenerational Elderhostel!