Gloucester Lyceum

A Standing-Room-Only Look at Democracy

Photo: courtesy of 1623 Studios.

A capacity crowd of 300 residents packed City Hall’s Kyrouz Auditorium on Saturday, May 9, for a timely discussion on the state of American democracy. Featured speaker Dr. Steven Levitsky offered a deep dive into the nation’s political landscape, followed by a vibrant Q&A moderated by Ms. Callie Crossley. The dialogue kicked off with a poignant question from GHS Gillnetter reporter Georgia Osier, sparking an hour of spirited and engaging conversation between the panel and the community.

For more information:

  • Watch: For those who missed the event, a full recording is available on YouTube: Our Democracy video courtesy of 1623 Studios.
  • Read: Copies of Dr. Levitsky’s books are available for checkout at the Sawyer Free Library or for purchase at The Gloucester Bookstore, 61 Main St, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978.281.1548

Where Ideas Meet Community

A historic tradition. A modern forum for conversation, learning, and connection.

Overview

On February 15, 1830, nearly 100 Gloucester residents came together to form the Gloucester Lyceum—an institution grounded in the belief that ideas strengthen communities. Created as a space for lectures, debates, and shared learning, the Lyceum quickly became a cornerstone of civic life, welcoming renowned thinkers including Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Today, the Gloucester Lyceum is reimagined for our time—bringing people together to explore the ideas shaping our world today.

Our Purpose

The Gloucester Lyceum brings people together around ideas that matter.

Through engaging programs and public conversations, we create space for curiosity, dialogue, and connection—building on Gloucester’s legacy while inviting new perspectives and voices into the conversation.

Our Vision

The Gloucester Lyceum hosts marquee events to bring together national, regional, and local contemporary speakers with our community members to explore pressing issues and ideas of our time.

A Living Legacy

From its founding in 1830 to today, the Gloucester Lyceum has remained rooted in the power of shared ideas and civic engagement.

In today’s world, that mission feels more important than ever.

Support the Gloucester Lyceum

The return of the Gloucester Lyceum is made possible by community support.

Your gift helps bring inspiring speakers to Gloucester, keeps programs accessible, and ensures this historic forum continues to serve as a place for learning, dialogue, and connection.

Every gift helps carry this tradition forward.

Ways to Give

Get Involved

Be part of the next chapter of the Gloucester Lyceum.

Whether you attend, share, or support, your participation helps bring ideas to life in our community.

Ways to Participate

Questions about how to support Gloucester Lyceum email Julia Brotherton, Chair – gloucesterlyceum@sawyerfreelibrary.org