When the Stone Building opened in 1833, its second floor served as a lyceum lecture hall intended to educate adults about important topics of the day. Today, the Stone Building lyceum is one of the few intact 19th-century lyceums that be returned to its original use. We hope to bring Lexington’s historic lyceum back to life with events like Community Conversations!
Recent Community Conversations
Why can’t we talk to each other? A conversation on civil discourse, extremism, polarization, bias, and our town
Watch the LexMedia video on YouTube
October 24, 7-8:45 pm
Lexington Community Center Dining Room, 39 Marrett Road
Join us as expert panelists discuss how divisions develop – on the national and local level – and how to promote a culture of open, respectful communication in Lexington and beyond. Learn how improving civil discourse allows us to approach difficult topics to build healthier relationships and a more connected community. This event is co-sponsored by the Lexington Observer and the Lexington Human Rights Committee.
Moderator
Regie Gibson, Literary Performer
Panelists
Kerry Dunne, Ed.D. History & Social Studies Department Head, Lexington High School
David Fairman, Senior Mediator, Consensus Building Institute, and Associate Director, MIT-Harvard Public Disputes Program
Harry Forsdick, Founder and Moderator, Lexington List
Katherine Manning, World History Teacher, Lexington High School
John Sarrouf, Co-Executive Director and Director of Program Development of Essential Partners
Questions about Community Conversations?
Coming Soon!
November 8, 2023 – Staying Curious and in Community When the Conversation is Tough: an Interactive Workshop with John Sarrouf and Maggie Herzig
This interactive workshop is a follow-on activity to our Civil Discourse Community Conversation in October. Learn how to notice and disrupt destructive patterns and find ways to stay curious and connected in your community.
Register Now (suggested $15 fee to offset program costs)
January 2024 – Why is affordable housing so hard?
Spring 2024 – Sustainability
Past Community Conversations
Spring 2023 Community Conversations
- April 13: How do we think about local news?
- March 7: How do we encourage civic engagement to foster a greater sense of community in Lexington?
- February 9: How can our education system foster a sense of racial and social justice in our schools and throughout our communities?