Montreat Conference Center

Current Conferences

Adventures in Lifelong Learning

Learning is a lifelong pursuit that opens minds and enriches lives. Road Scholar 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.

Road Scholar is the new program name for Elderhostel, Inc. The following programs are sponsored by Montreat Conference Center, in cooperation with Elderhostel, Inc.

Program Fee

Comprehensive fee: $548 – $882, depending on program and type of accommodation selected.

Program Dates for 2011

March 27-April 1 • April 10-15 • May 8-13 • May 22-27 • August 7-12 Intergenerational • August 14-19 • September 11-16 • October 2-7 • October 9-14 • December 4-9

Download a complete list of the 2011 Road Scholar programs at Montreat!

Registration Information

Visit www.roadscholar.org or call 800.454.5768 toll free for comprehensive fees and registration information. Some of these programs are tentative and pending approval. They will be listed on the Elderhostel website when registration is available.

March 27-April 1, 2011

Sources of Tension in the Middle East, International Human Rights, This Land Is Your Land
Program #16517 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• Sources of Tension in the Middle East Explore U.S. 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. Also includes a brief overview of geopolitical factors, relevant historical events, and their 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

Understanding Sciences and Technologies in Our Lives Today
Program #19467 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• Sciences and Technologies of Modern Medicine Explore topics to help understand modern diagnostic procedures when we go for medical care of hear about them in the new. Emphasis on imaging procedures such as MRI,CT scans, mammography, and more. Perry Sprawls

• Sciences and Technologies of Environmental Biology Resources to understand our changing environment and opportunities to experience the wonders of nature. Learn about air and water quality issues and the interrelations of global climate change to them and our forest ecosystems of North America. Ed Hauser

• Sciences and Technologies of the Weather In 1735, “Poor Richard,” aka Ben Franklin, wrote: “Some are weatherwise, some are otherwise.” In 1743, Ben observed that northeast storms begin in the southwest. On horseback, he chased a whirlwind almost a mile to find out why. Also “Poor Richard” printed some of the first recorded weather forecasts. Clearly, Ben Franklin had weatherwisdom. Explore the historical advancements in the science of weather and weather forecasting. Enjoy hands on learning about basic weather patterns and systems, look at weather folk-lore, and receive tips and guidance on how you can predict and track the weather. We’ll also have an introduction to climate data and information and how to find that information for anywhere in the world. So come-on, be…weatherwise! Tom Ross

April 10-15, 2011

Travel Back in Time: The History of Trains and Customs of the Southern Appalachians
Program #16093 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• 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 8-13, 2011

Mountain Wildflowers and Forest Ecology: an Appalachian Spring
Program #8999 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• 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. 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

May 22-27, 2011

At Home in Appalachia: Music, Dance, and More
Program #19690 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• At Home in Appalachia Step back to a simpler time and experience the home-made nature of Appalachia mountain culture. Local field trips will allow you to observe carvers and carvings, current dulcimer makers, and even find a backdoor folk jam session.

• History of Mountain Music and Dance Discover the roots of our mountain music while being mightily entertained. A blend of lecture and discussion, film footage, photos, live and recorded music provide a detailed look at these folks and allow us to listen to those who made the music. Don Pedi

• Mountain Folk Ways, Games, Stories and Dance Each day, experience a different aspect of the recreation nature of these enchanting mountains — dancing the big circle dances, making folk toys (no batteries needed), listening to traditional folk tales, and enjoying the music of this region. Anne Lough

Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! Explore Music and Dance Though Time and Cultures
Program #18643 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• Harmony in Classical and Popular Music 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 with sound tracks and movie clips, along with live performances. Michael Ruiz

• Exploring Music Cultures of the World Music symbolizes a people’s way of life; it represents a distillation of cultural style and for many, music is a way of life. Music will be surveyed as a functional activity in people’s lives, as a symbol of historical or national identity, and as a form of artistic expression. Models for analyzing music will be presented that demonstrate the meanings and significances of music in various societies. Milton Crotts

• Great Dancers of the Silver Screen A spellbinding week of the greatest dancers and choreographers that Hollywood ever produced and the like of which we’ll never see again. Share in the Golden age of movies from the 1930’s to the 1950’s. Let your heart dance with exquisite memories of the masters of dance: Fred, Ginger, Eleanor and Gene. Michael Ruiz

Celebrating a Cherokee Springtime and Appalachian History and Culture
Program #18670 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• Cherokee Springtime in the NC Mountains Come celebrate and deepen your appreciation of the local culture of the ancient and modern Cherokee people. Film and lecture presentations focus on language, storytelling, and the Trail of Tears. Discuss government recognition of contemporary tribes. Visit Cherokee Museum and Village. Elena Thompson

• Origins and Future of Appalachian Culture Review the cultural history of the southern Appalachian mountains with a good look at present day culture and debate its survival in the 21st century. Marilyn McMinn McCredie

August 7-12, 2011 – INTERGENERATIONAL

Welcome to the Magical Land of Narnia
Program #8996 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• 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 Road Scholars and their grandchildren (or a favorite young person), ages 9 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.

August 14-19, 2011

Laughter Makes the World Go Round, Popular Music, and Writing Your Life
Program #18991 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• Laughter Makes the World Go Round According to Dr. Joyce Brothers, humans are the only creatures who laugh and blush or who need to. Bring your funny bone and look at life from a different angle. Come, celebrate life and immerse yourself in the healing power of laughter. Marilyn McMinn McCredie

• Tin Pan Alley, Jazz and Swing Explore the beauty of song from colonial American music to the heyday of Tin Pan Alley through clips, video, and live piano performance. Learn what makes a song distinctly American on a journey through ragtime, jazz, the roaring 20s, swing and more. Michael Ruiz

• 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

Study Scottish History, Culture and Music and its Influence on Montreat and the Southeast
Program #16131 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• 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

The Biltmore Estate and Beyond: Discover the Wonders of Western North Carolina
Program #18073 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• Uncover all that western North Carolina has to offer. Begin with insights into the visionary craftsmen behind the Biltmore Estate and grounds, and learn about the Vanderbilts and their daily lives inside the majestic home, gardens and surrounding landscape. At Thomas Wolfe’s “Old Kentucky Home” in downtown Asheville, learn how reaction to his autobiographical novel “Look Homeward, Angel” is said to have inspired the famous “You Can’t Go Home Again.” Discover Chimney Rock carpeted in summer green, followed by a narrated boat ride on scenic Lake Lure. Visit the home and goat farm of author Carl Sandburg, see a show at North Carolina’s state theater, the Flat Rock Playhouse, and visit the North Carolina Arboretum, led by a local naturalist. Righton McCallum, Peter Loewer, Annie Hall

September 11 – 16, 2011

It Could Only Be America
Program #20138 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• The Birth of American Democracy Between Independence and 1820 the US sought a political identity. We will trace philosophical, constitutional, legal, and social changes by which the new nation came to be called a democracy. Tom Sanders

• Only in America From the Indians of the Wild West, Shaker religion and furniture, the Morman genealogical repository, our system of government, and Yellowstone’s geysers, to the Ku Klux Klan, McDonalds, and Coca Cola; some entities are peculiarly American. Come join us in a discussion of the wonders of this great country of ours including inventions and personalities which could have only developed in this huge and varied new world. Learn how our flora and fauna shaped our country’s history, architecture, and trade routes. Explore personalities such as Daniel Boone, P.T. Barnum, Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, Orville and Wilbur Wright, the Kellog Brothers, and Evangelists like Billy Graham. Learn about the literary icons like Thoreau, Cooper, and Twain who introduced the world to American literature with their new world tales. Join us for a thought provoking romp through a small portion of our country’s contributions to the universe. Righton McCallum

• Our Songs, Our Roots, Our Heritage: A Folk Song History Take a historical journey of our country by way of our national body of folk song. Discover the treasure and significance of our folk music as we travel through Colonial Days, the fight for independence, days of exploration, seafaring, railroading, logging, mining, cowboys, the Civil War and into the dust bowl days of Woody Guthrie. Anne Lough

Graham and Religious Voices of the 20th Century
Program #20139 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• Billy Graham: His Life and Mission Discuss how he influenced politics and historic events. What made some not agree with his views? How did his message excite part of our nation and where did it find divides? Visit The Cove and learn about his roots and what made him who he is today. John Akers

• 20 Century Religious Voices Explore the lives of prominent religious spokesmen Reinhold Niebuhr, Norman Vincent Peale, Martin Luther King, Jr. and others. Look at their contribution in the context of their times, and how their influence continues today. Robert Busey

Art History: The World of Art
Program #17995 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• The field of art history can tell us more about human cultural life than any other study or survey available to the anthropologist. Set out on a journey to uncover the worlds of painting, drawing and sculpture, and retrace the history of art from its beginning, through its middle and on to its probable end. With slide lectures, movies and field trips to the museums and architecturally significant sites of Ashville, sample striking design and local galleries in this and other nearby communities. Talk to local artists about their lives and work, study cave paintings discovered in France and what they tell us about prehistoric society, consider advances in photography with examples from the latest surveys of Saturn, and much more. Peter Loewer

October 2-7, 2011

The Middle East and Total Conditioning
Program #20137 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• Palestine for Beginners While most of us are aware of the importance of solving the Israeili/Palestinian conflict, we know little about the Palestinians. Discuss their history, the current situation for Palestinians and the prospects of their attaining peace with justice. Tony Bing

• How the Stability of Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and Afganistan Affects the United States Explore why economic and political stability of the above nations is vital to the future stability of the US. A major crisis in any of those five nations would almost certainly require the U.S. to greatly increase its military and related spending. The major constraints imposed by our nation’s economic problems would create a political quandary. Ample class time is provided for questions. George Yates

• 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

Capture the Beauty of Fall in the Mountains
Program #20140 – click program number for more info or to enroll

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

• Techniques and Composition in Photography Easily learned techniques are presented that can transform the beginner and novice photographer into an “outstanding” photographer. After establishing a firm foundation in photographic principles and digital camera technique we move on to photographic composition and creativity. Finally, we take our new knowledge into the field and practice what we’ve learned. A follow-on critique session further hones our new skills. Gerry Pasternack

• The Beauty of Fall in the Mountains Using techniques and background learned in other two courses, we will explore and capture on film great places in WNC, including the Biltmore Estate, downtown Asheville, and Chimney Rock Park.

The Biltmore Estate and Beyond: Discover the Wonders of Western North Carolina
Program #18073 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• Uncover all that western North Carolina has to offer. Begin with insights into the visionary craftsmen behind the Biltmore Estate and grounds, and learn about the Vanderbilts and their daily lives inside the majestic home, gardens and surrounding landscape. At Thomas Wolfe’s “Old Kentucky Home” in downtown Asheville, learn how reaction to his autobiographical novel “Look Homeward, Angel” is said to have inspired the famous “You Can’t Go Home Again.” Discover Chimney Rock carpeted in summer green, followed by a narrated boat ride on scenic Lake Lure. Visit the home and goat farm of author Carl Sandburg, see a show at North Carolina’s state theater, the Flat Rock Playhouse, and visit the North Carolina Arboretum, led by a local naturalist. Righton McCallum and Peter Loewer

October 9-14, 2011

Celtic Influences, Old and New
Program #20141 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• Scots-Irish Migration to America Explore the origins and history of the Scots-Irish by using the stories and songs of their culture. What was their life like in Scotland ? Why did they go to Ulster , and why did they leave? What made them a driving force in America ? Special emphasis on the southern Appalachian connection. Flora MacDonald Gammon

• Scots-Irish Influence on America When the Scots and “Scotch Irish” came to the new world, they were uniquely adapted to conquer the adversities and tame the new wilderness. Because of their Presbyterian religion, they were literate in a land of otherwise undereducated settlers. No matter how destitute a family on arrival, if they were industrious, they prospered in some endeavor. It is no wonder that the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Scots and signed by 21 men of Gallic descent. The Scots and Scotch Irish became some of our greatest inventors, our busiest explorers, and most intriguing Cherokee chieftains. Our national debt to these courageous settlers is worthy of study. Righton McCallum

• The Scots-Irish in the Southern Appalachians The culture and traditions brought to the Southern Appalachians by the Scots-Irish found fertile ground. Discover how the music, story and dance traditions flourished and took on new life in the isolation of mountain life. Participate with us in the exploration of balladry, folk songs, the dulcimer, play parties and shaped note singing. Anne Lough

Literary Explorations: Banned Books, Southern Writers, Carl Sandburg & Thomas Wolfe
Program #20130 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• 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

• Banned Books…. Now Classics! Over the years, books now considered classics have been banned for many reasons. We’ll explore a selection of novels that were banned at various times, in various places and for various reasons. Nancy Lewis

• Carl Sandburg and Thomas Wolfe Visit and tour the homes of both of these literary giants. The “Old Kentucky Home,” his mother’s boarding home, gave Wolfe inspiration for his writing. Connemara, Carl Sandburg’s home for 22 years, is where he completed over a third of his life’s work.

The Dream That Is America
Program #19175 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• America: The Land of Dreams America’s discovery and the Eden illusion began. Leaders influenced by the enlightenment established democracy. Natural resources in abundance, the creative invented! Explore the results of the work of the inventors Franklin, Edison, Ford & Whitney. Bob Hartje

• The Decline and Restoration of America’s Global Competitiveness Let’s analyze why the combination of unethical behavior, ideological polarization, and inappropriate economic decisions has caused America’s global competitiveness to decline. The concept of global competitiveness is explained and used to evaluate the current status of the U.S., China, India and Russia, and to predict their competitiveness levels in 2022. Ample class time is provided for questions. George Yates

• Space: The Vast Frontier Explore these five topics: (1) Today’s Solar System and Universe (2) Escape from Earth: “Way out” plans for human exploration of our solar system (3) The International Space Station (ISS): A bright star in your sky. (4) Future airplanes and air travel: fast, quiet, economical, direct (5) Space tourism/NASA technology in your daily life. Richard Davis

December 4–9, 2011

The Biltmore Estate at Christmas; the Gilded Age; the Vanderbilts and Others
Program #10345 – click program number for more info or to enroll

• 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. Righton McCallum and Bobbie Pell

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.

Learn more about other opportunities offered by The Center for Faith & Life…