Montreat Conference Center

Current Conferences

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: $522 – $748 (includes program, double occupancy housing, and meals.)

Registration Information

Download a list of programs offered at Montreat!

Visit www.elderhostel.org or call 800.454.5768 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 29-April 3, 2009
• April 19-24, 2009
• April 26-May 1, 2009
• May 17-22, 2009
• August 9-14, 2009 [Intergenerational]
• August 16-21, 2009
• September 20-25, 2009
• October 4-9, 2009
• October 25-30, 2009
• November 8-13, 2009
• December 6-11, 2009
• December 13-18, 2009

March 29 – April 3, 2009

Program #17029

• Finding Your Inner Therapist Within each of us is a therapist who sends out emotional, physical, and psychological signals to keep us in harmonious balance with ourselves and others. Explore a variety of techniques (gestalt, psychodrama, play) for contacting your therapist. Eileen Walkenstein

• 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

• Our Songs, Our Roots, Our Soul: A Folk Song History Discover the treasure and significance of our folk music as we travel through colonial days, the fight for independence, days of exploration, seafaring, logging, mining, cowboys, the civil war, and into the dustbowl days of Woody Guthrie. Anne Lough

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 19 – 24, 2009

Program #17436

• From Paradise to Dust Bowl to a New Deal America A look at the US after World War I, from coping with corruption and depression from flappers to stoking the fires of another war. From Teapot Dome to Lend Lease. Leadership questioned, leadership responding. Bob Hartje

• F. Scott Fitzgerald: “The Great Gatsby” Fitzgerald was hailed as the voice of the jazz age, the 1920s era of flappers and speakeasies that followed the pain of World War I. Was Gatsby one of the greatest 20th century novels, as critics have proclaimed? Paul Spivey

• American Popular Music: from Tin Pan Alley to Musical Comedy Starting with early roots in the Minstrel tradition and Stephen Foster, explore the development of the commercial music and music publishing industry. Walk the streets of Tin Pan Alley and hear the voices of some of the early performers of Vaudeville and Musical Theater. Anne Lough

Program #17442

• George Washington and the Continental Army: A Study in Leadership Few Americans initially saw the Revolution leading to independence. Jefferson, 6 months after Lexington wrote that he was “… looking with fondness toward reconciliation….” Gradually this conflict became a war for independence. We will discuss events, battles, people and myths surrounding the Revolution. Kilbert E Lockwood

• Five American Architects The personal lives and architectural careers of five leading American architects, Richard Morris Hunt, H.H. Richardson, Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Alexander Jackson Davis will be covered during this class. Richard Hansley

• 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 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 meterologists 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 and trillium, plus 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, 2 to 4 miles in length, elevation increase of approximately 300 feet). Peter Loewer

April 26 – May 1, 2009

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, Mountain Gateway, and Apple Valley Railroad. 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. Righton McCallum, Anne Lough & Peter Loewer

May 17 – 22, 2009

Program #17437

• Survey of American Musical Theatre American musical theatre from its roots in European operetta through contemporary musical styles (Gershwin, Kern, Berlin, Porter, Rodgers, and Sondheim). Presentations include original recordings, video performances and lectures. Tony Grabois

• Cherokee Creek and Choctaw Explore Native American worlds of the southeast from first arrival of tribes in the region to revitalized tribal culture of the 21st century. Features include folk tales, alphabets, design, and fascinating people. Elena Thompson

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 from 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

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, Mountain Gateway, and Apple Valley Railroad. 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. Righton McCallum, Anne Lough & Peter Loewer

August 9 – 14, 2009 [Intergenerational]

Program #11537

• Flora and Fauna: Appalachian Biodiversity Join us for explorations into the wild aspects of Asheville’s bioregion. During our morning journeys to the Nature Center, we will come into close contact with indigenous animals such as snakes, toads, skunks, wolves, the bobcat and the mountain lion. We’ll also re-live some of the old-fashion heritage crafts such as butter making, hand-twisted cordage, and taffy pulling. In Montreat, we’ll discover what lurks in the freshwater lake and streams, and explore the protected wilderness area. See photos from our 2008 program! This program is for Elderhostelers and their grandchildren (or a favorite young person), ages 7 to 16; maximum of two children per adult. Grandparents share bedrooms and classes with grandchildren and are personally responsible for their behavior at all times. Children will participate in Montreat’s Clubs and Recreation program (day camp) in the afternoon.

Program #8996

• Welcome to the Magical Land of Narnia Prince Caspian Adventure! The British Pevensie children, previous Kings and Queens of Narnia, travel once again into the magical realm of Narnia where the Talking Animals are in desperate need of assistance. During the week’s adventure, participants will create a Talking Animal character then, through a wide variety of activities and using their imaginations, travel the same perils presented in the book. Some activities include art projects (masks, star charts), creative writing (legends, histories, riddles), and games (Aslan’s Maze, Stone Table Labyrinth). Each day will be paced to match 4 chapters of reading, able to be completed either prior or during the week. By Aslan’s mane! This program is for Elderhostelers and their grandchildren (or a favorite young person), ages 8 to 12; maximum of two children per adult. Grandparents share bedrooms and classes with grandchildren and are personally responsible for their behavior at all times. Children will participate in Montreat’s Clubs and Recreation program (day camp) in the afternoon.

August 16 – 21, 2009

Program #17800

• History of the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict and Options for Peace Review the history and conflicts of the region through lecture, visuals and discussion. Explore possibilities of peace and the achievement of justice in a land we call holy. Fahed Abu Akel

• Doing Our Part to Create a Better World Consider the goals, strategies, motivations and difficulties involved as we, as individuals and organizations, seek to make our world more prosperous, healthy and just. Tom Frist

• 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 #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

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, Mountain Gateway, and Apple Valley Railroad. 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. Righton McCallum, Anne Lough & Peter Loewer

September 20 – 25, 2009

Program #TBA

• From Slave Narratives to Oprah Winfrey Creative expression historically has been part of the African American experience. We will explore the poetry of Phillis Wheatley, the autobiography of Frederick Douglass, the preaching of Sojourner Truth, the debates of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois, and the contemporary acting and entrepreneurial careers of Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Oprah Winfrey, and Denzel Washington. Phoebe Smith

• Race and Politics in American Humor An exploration of two fundamental themes in the long history of American humor which at times have made us laugh, or wince, or cry – or all three at the same time. Using bits and pieces of literature, radio broadcasts, and film, we will look at the cryptic political barbs and race- conscious humor of Mark Twain; the stereotyping humor of Jack Benny’s Rochester and Amos and Andy; the emergence of mainline black comedians like Flip Wilson and Bill Cosby; and the more radical humor of contemporary comedians like Richard Pryor and Chris Rock. Bob Smith

• History of Jazz Michael Ruiz

Program #TBA

• Extraordinary Women in Celtic Folklore Meet Bloudewedd, the Welsh Bride of Flowers, whose discovery of passion released her soul, then the Irish immortal Macha who bestowed healing on the broken yet cursed the men of Ulster. Swim into the secrets of Pearl, the Seal-Maiden, off the coast of Scotland! Discover the timeless truths brought to light by these and other stories surrounding legendary women in the Celtic culture. Group discussions will focus on issues handled by these women such as true beauty, the power of transformation, love relationships, and woman’s divinity; all which are still prevalent for women today. Bobbie Pell

• Healing and Music Virginia Bethune

• 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

October 4 – 9, 2009

Program #TBA

• Redefining the South Explore the particulars of this region that give it uniqueness. Discover the role of honor, states rights, family and militancy in the southern mosaic. Look at politics, literature, and society as we seek a new understanding. Bob Hartje

• Spinning a Yarn with Southern Writers The south embodies a rich heritage of storytellers from the “oral tradition” of taletellers by those who settled south of Baltimore to Georgia. What is the “south” and what makes a writer a “southern storyteller?” Explore the unique south through novels and short stories by master writers. Consider sharing some of your own stories. Annie Hall

• 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

Program #TBA

• 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

• Making Our Money Last – Retirement Income: Do you have enough? “What is your retirement number?” How much do you need to live on and for how long? Making sure you don’t outlive your money. “Happiness is positive cash flow.” How a visit to “Monte Carlo” can reduce risk and increase income. Investments that make up most retirement portfolios. Investments that are missing from most retirement portfolios, yet often add value and reduce risk. Essential documents for a well run portfolio. A free filing system to keep track of it all. Daniel A. Hewitt, Eric Nichols and Shirley Stoneman, of the Asheville Office of Merrill Lynch. Daniel and Eric are Montreat residents, and Shirley resides in Asheville. They represent a combined 85 years of financial advisory experience and expertise.

• The Oral Tradition: Passing on Our Family Stories Savor the moments of days gone by and watch them turn into stories! Discover the stories that live inside you and learn how to tell and pass them on to your family. Donna Marie Todd

Program #TBA

• Introduction to Islam Islam is the world’s second largest and fastest growing religion, and it recently overtook Roman Catholicism as the largest single denomination. Despite its international importance and special relevance in terms of troubled areas such as Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Israel/Palestine, most nonMuslim Americans know very little about Islam. This course will provide a detailed introduction to the religion of Islam and those who espouse it, the Muslims. It will include a careful review of the life of the prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam, as well as a study of the major tenets of the faith and its holy scripture, the Koran. Additional time will be devoted to examining the history of Islam following the death of Muhammad in 632 C.E. Steve Wilkerson

October 25 – 30, 2009

Program #TBA

• The Road to Pearl Harbor Bill Fortschen

• Combat and Poetry: A Study in Reality The horrors of war have engendered some of the finest poetry written. Both world wars, Korea, Vietnam and two Gulf wars have produced distinctly different poets, making for a challenging study. Angela Baisley

• Better Balance Can Be Learned Falls can be devastating. Thankfully, better physical balance can be learned. With the goal of life-long independence, this class is for anyone who desires to be safely balanced for life. Don Rapp

Program #TBA

• History of Asheville and Buncombe County Hidden behind the Blue Ridge Mountains, the highlands that became Buncombe County have a fascinating history. It’s an addictive story of land speculators, revenuers, artists, tourists, and the rich and famous. Mitzi Tessier

• Techniques and Composition in Photography Easily learned techniques that can transform “average photographers” into “outstanding photographers.” Topics include effective use of camera controls, composition, and creativity. Intended for digital-photography beginners, but all can benefit. Course will culminate with a field session followed by display and critique of class results. Gerry Pasternack

• NIA Fitness Technique: Dancing Through Life Neuromuscular Integrative Action (NIA) is Swahili for “with purpose” – a 20-year old non-impact fitness technique for the body, mind and spirit. It incorporates the best of many movement forms from martial arts, dance and physical therapies. It’s for all ages and abilities – and most of all, it’s fun! Work at your own pace and choose your own intensity level for a very personalized class. Denise Medved

Program #TBA

• Art History — The World of Art Art history can tell more about a culture than any other survey. Here’s a course covering just a small part of the world of painting, drawing, and sculpture where we’ll study the beginning, the middle, and the probably end of art using slides and movies. Course includes field trips to Asheville to visit the museum and sample some of the city’s architecture and local visits in Black Mountain and Montreat including a modern Italian wall fresco by Ben Long. Peter Loewer

November 8 – 13, 2009

Program #TBA

• The Biltmore Estate and other Famous Places and People of Western North Carolina Bill Adam and Righton McCallum

December 6 – 11, 2009

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 and Anne Lough

December 13 – 18, 2009

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

More Information…

If you would like information mailed to you via U.S. mail, please email carolo[at]montreat.org. You may also visit the Elderhostel web site or call 800.454.5768 for more details and to register online.

Download a list of programs offered at Montreat!

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