One of our members conducting a class in current events!
The Explorers Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) is a
member-directed learning group, one of almost 400 such organizations in the
United States and Canada affiliated with the Elderhostel Institute Network. In
operation since 1992, at the present time 380 lively and excited seniors in
the greater Salem community, mostly retirees with diverse backgrounds have
joined Explorers by paying an annual membership fee.
Members participate in active peer learning to share their
knowledge, experience, and research with each other by creating, coordinating
and participating in courses. These courses are given on a voluntary basis.
They vary in length from a day to a semester. The courses range in format from
lectures and discussions to hands-on workshops and field trips. They deal with
general topics from the arts and sciences to current events and foreign
affairs. The classes range from small classes to auditorium-style
accommodations. Some courses, designated “study groups,” require active
participation of attendees, such as preparing information to share with the
class, or actively engaging in course discussion. Classrooms are located on
the first floor of the Explorers Center at 10 Federal Street in Salem. They
are equipped with the very latest visual aids, audio equipment and lighting as
directed by the course leader’s requirements.
Explorers offer two academic terms a year, beginning in
September and March. Classes meet for two hours, either mornings or afternoons
in three time periods. Students and leaders often have lunch together between
classes. Classes are held Monday through Thursday. On selected Friday
mornings, a “Coffee Hour” is held featuring a guest lecturer. Non-members are
welcome to attend the Coffees. During winter and summer intercessions, there
are special programs two mornings a week.
WELCOME TO
THE EXPLORERS
Growing mature in America is characterized by rapid change. We
are discarding negative stereotypes and seizing control of our lives. New
social innovations are now the expected, not the exception. The Explorers
Lifelong Learning Institute is such an innovation. When we retire, we may miss
the intellectual challenges and interpersonal relationships that made life
interesting during our careers. Like our muscles, our minds need exercise to
stay young. The Explorers recognizes this and invites people fifty years or
older to join us in exercising our minds and keeping vital.
As more mature adults, we can be intense, self- motivated
learners. We explore new subjects and we share our collective knowledge and
experiences. There are no academic admissions requirements, no examinations,
no grades; learning is its own reward. Our greatest resource is the exuberant
wisdom of our membership. Explorers encourage us to continue learning, to
expand our horizons, and to enhance our personal development. This is not
anything like a senior center in your average city. It is more like a
combination of high school and college years all rolled into one!
EXPLORERS
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
ANNUAL
MEMBERSHIP FEES
The annual non-refundable single membership fee of $200.00 or
spousal membership of $350.00 admits members to both fall and spring
semesters, as well as winter and summer intercessions. These fees are also
non-refundable. Please use the registration form in the centerfold of our
catalogue to apply for membership and to register for courses. If you select
a course that is oversubscribed, seats will be assigned by lottery.
Notification will be sent to those confirmed; all others will be placed on a
waiting list.
People unable to pay the full membership fee may qualify for a
reduced fee. Application forms with information about fee reduction are
available in the Explorers office.
OUR HOME AT 10 FEDERAL STREET
The Explorers Center is located in a multi-story brick and steel building at
10 Federal Street in downtown Salem. The suite occupied by the Explorers
boasts five classrooms that will accommodate a range of needs, from small
workshops to auditorium-style lectures. In addition, there is an area for
socializing as well as kitchen facilities for refreshment during class breaks.
This first-floor facility (with restrooms nearby) is handicap-accessible with
ample parking either in the parking lot opposite the building or at the Museum
Place Mall Garage, 1 New Liberty Street, which offers Senior Citizen Rates. A
book of 20 parking stamps (each good for up to 12 hours) costs $20.00 for
Salem residents and $25.00 for all others. Stamps may be purchased from the
Museum Place Mall Garage office that is located at the garage entrance. Please
note: There is no parking at 1 0 Federal Street.
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