Cary Lecture Series

The Cary Lecture Series presents free public talks in Lexington on the arts, sciences and current events, aiming to stimulate, educate and entertain a general audience. Established in the early 1920s by the Cary sisters, longtime benefactors of the town, it is endowed by the Isaac Harris Cary Education Foundation and run by a volunteer committee appointed by Lexington Town Meeting. Lectures are open to everyone, and no tickets are required.

Past speakers have included Nobel Prize winners, people who lived through incarceration by the U.S. government during World War II, artists, writers, scholars, scientists of international standing and doctors behind breakthrough discoveries and global humanitarian work. The goal is a kaleidoscope of perspectives that prompts audiences to reflect on who they are as individuals, as a society and as a community. Since the 2020 pandemic, the series has also expanded its digital reach beyond Lexington.

What to Know

• The 2026-2027 season includes a talk by Carnegie Mellon professor Po-Shen Loh on the human advantage in an AI world.
• The season also features Harvard’s Carla D. Martin on the history of chocolate, followed by a chocolate tasting.
• In the rare case that seating runs short, Lexington residents get preference.
• Arriving early is recommended for the best seats.