Adult Education Classes

Adult education classes meet in person at the Newberry or online.

Registration for the summer 2023 term is now open.

The Learning Experience

Classes are conducted as discussion-based seminars. Instructors create a warm, friendly, and intellectually stimulating learning environment by facilitating conversations among the class. Through a lively exchange of knowledge, participants learn from each other as well as from the instructor. 

Instructors are experts in their fields, with extensive experience teaching in either traditional or non-traditional settings.

Registration and Pricing

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis using an online platform called Learning Stream. When you've found a class that sparks your interest, you can register by following the link provided on the individual class page on our website.

Members at the Author level ($100/year or above) receive a 10% discount on tuition. Members at the Literati level ($250/year or above) get early access to register for classes before registration opens to the public.

Become a Member

We are pleased to offer a 10% discount for seniors over the age of 65 and to students who have a valid student ID. A senior or student discount cannot be combined with a member discount. Only one discount can be applied per registration.

After registering, you'll receive a confirmation email from us. The email will include everything you need to know before the first day of class, including check-in procedures and information about the course reading list. We'll also let you know if there are any assignments for the first class meeting. Leading up to the beginning of your class, you’ll receive reminder emails from us as well.

A minimum of seven registrants are needed to run a class. If a class doesn't have at least seven students, it will be canceled. In the event that your class is canceled, we will give you a full refund.

To request a refund, please email us or call us at (312) 255-3700. 

The Newberry retains a 10% processing fee.

  • For one-day and two-session classes, tuition (minus the 10% processing fee) is refundable up to 24 hours before the class begins.
  • For multi-session classes longer than two sessions, tuition (minus the 10% processing fee) is refundable until 24 hours after the first class meeting.

Teach a Class

Adult education classes revel in the depth, complexity, and joyfulness of the humanities. We welcome proposals for classes that explore the humanities in dynamic and accessible ways.

Learn More

Questions?

Get in Touch

You can reach us at (312) 255-3700 or via email.

Visit

More than 600 years of human history are waiting to be discovered in the Newberry's reading rooms, exhibition galleries, classrooms, and event spaces.

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Exhibitions

Exhibitions bridge the past and present using historic items from the Newberry collection.

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