Colloquy Downeast

The Colloquy Series

Colloquy Downeast is an all-volunteer organization formed to organize colloquies (small study and discussion groups organized around a specific topic) on and around the Blue Hill Peninsula… and since COVID, on the internet as well. We strive to offer colloquies that appeal to a diverse set of interests, such as history, literature, science and politics—almost any subject that we think will be of interest to the community. Each colloquy is supported by a facilitator who is often a subject matter expert or, at the very least, has a strong interest in the subject and has committed to prepare the colloquy syllabus and enough discussion points or questions to keep the discussion flowing.

Who Can Participate?

Anyone with an interest in a colloquy topic is welcome to participate. Under the colloquy format, we all hope to learn from each other, so the best colloquies have attendees who both prepare (there is generally a reading list to help everyone prepare for the colloquy) and contribute to the discussion. Mostly, however, we hope to enjoy ourselves as we learn and interact with the other participants.

The cost for each colloquy is $50, but we feel strongly that financial constraints should not deter participants. See Registering for a Colloquy and Registration Fee Waiver for more details.

New to Colloquy Downeast?

We typically offer 10-12 colloquies per year…about half in the fall and half in the spring. To get a sense for the sort of topics we pursue, take a look at the upcoming colloquies listed on this page…maybe one will strike your fancy. Or you might want to review the subjects covered in past colloquies to get a sense of the breadth of subject matter we discuss.

Future Colloquy Topics

Have a different topic in mind that you’d like to see us offer? Many of our best colloquy ideas come from prospective participants. We welcome potential colloquy topics and/or ideas about community members who you’d like to see lead a colloquy as a facilitator.

Have a subject on which you’d like to lead a colloquy? We’re always looking for new faces and new ideas. Visit Facilitating a Colloquy to learn more.