An Acceptance Garden is being established as a profound response to the tragic events of Aug. 12, 2022, that shook the Chautauqua community to its core. This initiative is centered around a powerful message of hope, epitomized by a sapling — a direct descendant from the chestnut tree that stood outside Anne Frank’s hiding place in Amsterdam. The garden is set to become a symbol of mutual respect and a beacon of diversity and inclusion for all visitors to Chautauqua.
The horrific incident in 2022 left an indelible mark on the Chautauqua community. The idyllic peace of Chautauqua was violated, leaving emotions raw and memories vivid. In the wake of the attack, Kelly Ann Boyce organized an off-site dinner the day after. Attendees included Elaine and Erroll Davis from the African American Heritage House, Christine Fulton and George Fechter. It was a heartfelt gathering, where Erroll poignantly remarked that such feelings of angst, anger and depression are all too familiar in the Black community, citing recent tragedies like the Buffalo Tops Market mass shooting and the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. This conversation ignited a spark — a vision for a Chautauqua Acceptance Garden that celebrates all forms of diversity and mutual respect. The concept of the Acceptance Garden quickly gained momentum.
George Fechter, a board member of the Anne Frank Center who has been promoting installations of Anne Frank trees and Acceptance Gardens at significant locations like the United Nations, Washington D.C., and the Clinton Library and Museum, played a pivotal role. Longtime Chautauquans Christine Fulton and Fechter funded the design of the garden, while the administration embraced the idea, nominating a space at the corner of Massey and Miller. This space is on the welcome path for all new and returning visitors to the Institution, and presents an opportunity to proudly proclaim our values as a community.
The garden’s centerpiece — a sapling from the chestnut tree that gave Anne Frank hope and inspiration during her time in hiding — will symbolize resilience and the enduring human spirit.
Designed as a year-round venue for education, discussion and contemplation, the garden will feature corten steel panels delivering powerful messages of human rights themes, including freedom of expression and equality, and fair and impartial treatment of all individuals free from bias and prejudice.
Numerous off-season meetings with community group leaders and other Chautauqua gatherings in Pittsburgh, New York and Florida have marked the positive journey to bring this garden to life. This season, on-site and porch gatherings provide the opportunity for garden plan reviews and other discussions essential for the garden’s success. Institution leadership, including President Michael E. Hill, Geof Follansbee, John Shedd, Betsy Burgeson and Amit Taneja and their teams, have been instrumental in identifying the garden location and participating in discussions about its design, themes and concepts. They have also been involved in selecting the landscape architect, Joseph Rollman RLA, of Leaf and Stone, ensuring the garden will be a welcoming addition to the grounds of Chautauqua Institution.
The garden will stand as a testament to the Chautauqua community’s resilience and commitment to diversity, mutual respect and inclusion. It will transform a site of pain into a place of hope and education, reflecting the best values of Chautauquans and offering a sanctuary for all who visit. This initiative not only honors the memory of those affected by past tragedies, but also serves as a proactive step towards fostering a more inclusive and understanding community. The garden will be a place where the lessons of history are remembered and where the seeds of a brighter future are sown.
The Acceptance Garden is currently in its conceptual phase, and fundraising efforts have begun. You may find out more by attending our presentation at 7 p.m. Sunday in Smith Wilkes Hall as part of the Hebrew Congregation of Chautauqua’s Shirley Lazarus Speaker Series. The Chautauqua community is invited to contribute to this meaningful project. Your input and support are essential! For more information, to host or attend a presentation, or make a contribution, please contact us.
Kelly Ann Boyce, KBH826@gmail.com
Christine Fulton, cbfulton@gmail.com
