Whittier Dialogue Mini-Fundraisers
A chance to connect, share ideas and stories, and support the preservation of the c.1688 Whittier Homestead.
Gather together * for a deep conversation with a small group. Each Dialogue party will focus on a different “Big Idea” with a facilitated conversation.
Regular watchers of period dramas may be familiar with the old rules of dinner party conversation etiquette. The hostess assigned everyone seats and you spoke first to the person on one side and then when prompted, you turned and spoke to the person on your other side. Thomas Jefferson was one of the firsts to change up this format at his dinner parties, by encouraging the entire table to engage in one conversation topic, usually around a “ Big Idea” of the time. Jeffersonian dinner parties became popular. Men and women of letters, including John Greenleaf Whittier continued to debate the Big Ideas of their times through letter exchanges and newspaper opinion pieces, but dinner party conversations allowed a group to discuss their ideas and share experiences all together, instead of waiting days or weeks for a reply. The Whittier Dialogue series continues this tradition of exchanging ideas and stories.
Two ways to participate:
Organize a group of your friends (optimal group size is 8 people) to participate in a private party at a date of your choosing.
Sign up for one of our public parties and meet new friends on a pre-selected date.
The price per person is $25.
Your participation helps support the on-going preservation of the Whittier Birthplace, including the 17th century home, 18th century barn, and surrounding agricultural and wooded lands.
Five ground rules for participating:
One person speaks at a time. This is especially important in the virtual format.
Be yourself.
Be curious. If you’re curious about someone’s answer, go ahead and ask a follow up question to hear more.
Be respectful. There are no right or wrong answers and your thoughts may evolve during the conversation. Each person comes with their own set of experiences and it’s ok to disagree.
Be present. Please put your phones away, turn off the tv, and avoid offline conversation. If you must have an offline conversation, please be courteous to the group and mute yourself.
* Virtual and in-person options are available
Ready to share?
Let us know below if you’d like to organize a private party for your friends or if you’re interested in on of our public parties.