Ginger Cove Selected For Pilot Program With The Chautauqua Institution

August 22-27, 2011, Brings Civil War History to Life for Residents

Annapolis, Md. (August 19, 2011) – The Civil War is coming to life at Ginger Cove. From August 22-27, 2011, the Annapolis life-care retirement community is participating in a special pilot program with the renowned Chautauqua Institution. The program will bring an educational series, “The Path to the Civil War,” to the community in real time direct from the Institution. Only three retirement communities nationwide are participating in this pilot program: Ginger Cove, WindsorMeade (Williamsburg, Va.) and Kendal at Ithaca (Ithaca, N.Y.). The timing is particularly relevant, since this year marks the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War.

The Chautauqua Institution, located in southwestern New York, is renowned for its summer education series. Approximately 170,000 people attend one of nine weeklong sessions each year. The Institution was founded in 1874 as a teaching camp for Sunday school teachers. In 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and, in 1989, designated a National Historic Landmark District.

“Chautauqua: Live at Ginger Cove,” a week-long event, is being planned by Ginger Cove’s Wellness Team, made up of staff and residents. “It will be one of the most prestigious and engaging programs that Ginger Cove has ever offered, and will be like going to graduate school for a week, without the need for final exams,” said Dr. Edgar E. Mallick, Ginger Cove’s executive director and chief executive officer.

The community is complementing the Chautauqua programming with live lectures and discussion groups led by some of the area’s most accomplished Civil War experts and scholars:

• Dr. Lester Brooks, professor of U.S. History, African American History, The Civil War Era, and Abe Lincoln and the Civil War at Anne Arundel Community College.
• Lawrence Denton, author of a book called, “A Southern Star for Maryland,” which chronicles Maryland’s history before, during and after the “War Between the States.”
• Janice Hayes-Williams, a historian, author, playwright and columnist whose great-grandfather, William Henry Hebron, was born into slavery and grew up to become one of Annapolis’ most successful businessmen.
• Robert Mullauer, president of the Baltimore Civil War Roundtable that provides a forum in which to discuss and evaluate various aspects of this unique period of American History.
• Dr. Craig Symonds, retired professor and chair of the History Department at the United States Naval Academy where he taught naval and Civil War history for 30 years, and author of several books, including, “Lincoln and His Admirals.”

“Together, the presenters will reflect on the controversies and tensions that led to the Civil War and on how these issues continue to shape American society, identity and race issues today,” explained Mallick.

Finally, the community will enhance the week’s schedule with additional guest lectures, receptions and entertainment, including a wine and cheese gathering with music by the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra chamber group, a swing band performance by a group of local physicians and a pre-recorded concert by The Berlin Philharmonic with Renee Fleming.

Of particular interest is a reception on Monday at which Ginger Cove residents will unveil a Civil War journal they created. “It will include photographs and information about their ancestors who served in the Civil War,” said Joan Williams, director of marketing at Ginger Cove. “As such, it will start things off in a manner that will bring a personalized touch to the week’s learning.”

About Ginger Cove

Ginger Cove, which borders Gingerville Creek in Annapolis, is home to more than 350 active adults 60 years and older. The community is composed primarily of residents who live independently in their own private apartments. Additional on-site health care is available, if needed: The Haven at Ginger Cove, a 30-suite assisted living community, and The Harbor at Ginger Cove, a 61-bed licensed skilled nursing facility. To learn more, visit www.gingercove.com or call (410) 266-7300.

About the Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a community on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State that comes alive each summer with a unique mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities. Over the course of nine weeks, more than 170,000 visitors will stay at Chautauqua and participate in programs, classes and community events for all ages—all within the beautiful setting of a historic lakeside village. To learn more, visit www.ciweb.org.