Kelsey Academy reaches back to Tioga’s past in many ways. Starting in 1817, “Squire” Daniel Kelsey saw the Wellsboro Academy through its first shaky years. His daughter, Anna M. Kelsey, taught at Mansfield Normal School, pioneered one of our state’s first kindergartens, served as a missionary in Alaska, and co-founded the Society of Alaskan Natural History and Ethnology. Kelsey Academy also recalls Wellsboro’s annual program of lectures, concerts, recitals, and plays given by the Chautauqua Association from 1916 to 1929 – advertised in the newspapers as “quality programs for everybody.” Kelsey Academy unites these traditions and takes them forward. Like Squire Kelsey’s Wellsboro Academy, it is a venture in community education. In the spirit of the Chautauqua, it provides demonstrations and talks for “lifelong learners.” And it draws upon local talent, as Mansfield Normal School and Wellsboro High School benefitted from Anna Kelsey’s skills and vision. But unlike the Wellsboro Chautauqua, the events are free! No reservations required! 

A gallery of a two of our facilitators from last fall