Thoughtful Conversations.

Community Engagement.

The Ewing Forum is a speaker series that engages people in thoughtful conversation on topics of regional, national, and world interest. The Forum is committed to providing presentations by both emerging voices and leading figures in their fields to inspire dialogue within the community.

Forum Events

Join us for engaging talks and discussions led by distinguished speakers from a wide range of disciplines. Our upcoming events offer opportunities to explore timely issues, expand perspectives, and connect with others through thoughtful dialogue.

September 20, 2026
Season 15

Protecting Your Ballot: Election Security Ahead of the 2026 Midterms

Separating Fact from Fear in Election Security

Featuring: Ben Spear
Chief Information Security Officer for the New York State Board of Elections.
Featuring: Kathleen McGrath
Director of Public Information for the NYS Board of Elections
With Moderator: Evan Dawson
Journalist, Radio Host, and seasoned moderator
October 11, 2026
Season 15

Facing Parkinson’s: New Science, New Strategies, Real Lives

What can we do to prevent it - or slow it down?

Featuring: Dr. Sara Whittingham
Physician, Air Force Veteran, Author
Featuring: Dr. Ray Dorsey
Neurologist, Researcher and Public Health Leader
With Moderator: Maggie Kuhl
Vice President of Patient Engagement at the Michael J. Fox Foundation
March 7, 2027
Season 15

Defending the Digital Frontier: Understanding Today’s Cyber Risks and Tomorrow’s Solutions

A clear-eyed assessement of today's cybersecurity landscape

Featuring: General Tim Haugh
Retired Four Star General, Served as Commander of US Cyber Command
With Moderator: Michael O'Hanlon
Philip H. Knight Chair in Defense and Strategy; Director of Research Foreigh Policy program at Brookings Institution
April 18, 2027
Season 15

Scenes from a Storied Career: An Entertaining Conversation with Tom Fontana

An evening of engaging stories and plenty of wit from the world of entertainment

Featuring: Tom Fontana
Writer for television and HBO
With Moderator: Michael Winship
Writers Guild, TV producer, political analyst and Commentator
April 18, 2027
Season 15

Scenes from a Storied Career: An Entertaining Conversation with Tom Fontana

An evening of engaging stories and plenty of wit from the world of entertainment

Featuring: Tom Fontana
Writer for television and HBO
With Moderator: Michael Winship
Writers Guild, TV producer, political analyst and Commentator
March 7, 2027
Season 15

Defending the Digital Frontier: Understanding Today’s Cyber Risks and Tomorrow’s Solutions

A clear-eyed assessement of today's cybersecurity landscape

Featuring: General Tim Haugh
Retired Four Star General, Served as Commander of US Cyber Command
With Moderator: Michael O'Hanlon
Philip H. Knight Chair in Defense and Strategy; Director of Research Foreigh Policy program at Brookings Institution
October 11, 2026
Season 15

Facing Parkinson’s: New Science, New Strategies, Real Lives

What can we do to prevent it - or slow it down?

Featuring: Dr. Sara Whittingham
Physician, Air Force Veteran, Author
Featuring: Dr. Ray Dorsey
Neurologist, Researcher and Public Health Leader
With Moderator: Maggie Kuhl
Vice President of Patient Engagement at the Michael J. Fox Foundation
September 20, 2026
Season 15

Protecting Your Ballot: Election Security Ahead of the 2026 Midterms

Separating Fact from Fear in Election Security

Featuring: Ben Spear
Chief Information Security Officer for the New York State Board of Elections.
Featuring: Kathleen McGrath
Director of Public Information for the NYS Board of Elections
With Moderator: Evan Dawson
Journalist, Radio Host, and seasoned moderator

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Forum Events Archive

Revisit past speakers, timely topics and memorable programs from across our 15-year history.

Testimonials

Michael O’Hanlon
“I have felt greatly privileged to be part of the George Ewing Forum on several occasions since its creation. Canandaigua as a community combines a hometown feel and a genuine human warmth with lots of smart people who are focused on the big issues of our day, locally and nationally and globally. The Ewing Forum has addressed issues at all levels, while also bringing in an artistic and cultural side–I am a big fan of what they continue to do there each year.”
Jenny Goodemote
“Wood Library is proud to partner with the George M Ewing Canandaigua Forum to bring thought-provoking speakers and meaningful conversations to our community. We believe in the power of coming together to listen, learn, and engage with new ideas—and we are a stronger community because of it.”
Barbara Hamlin
“As a founding member of the Ewing Forum, it has been a privilege to watch it grow while staying true to its original mission of informing our community about important issues. I continue to support and enjoy each season.”
Doug Merrill
“Democracy depends upon an informed and engaged citizenry. As James Madison observed, “a people who mean to be their own Governours, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” For 15 seasons, the Ewing Canandaigua Forum has helped strengthen that power by bringing distinguished voices to Canandaigua—not simply to speak, but to spark thoughtful questions, constructive dialogue, and the exchange of ideas that are the foundation of a healthy democracy.”
Steve Martin
“Ann and I have been longtime supporters of the Ewing Forum because we believe strongly in its mission. Year after year, the Forum brings thoughtful speakers and important conversations to our community, giving us all opportunities to learn, consider different perspectives, and better understand the issues that affect our lives. We are proud to support an organization that has become such a valuable part of this region.”

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