Offering adult programs, trips, and classes at 5 locations in Guilford, Madison and Branford

Welcome to SSILL!

ADULT EDUCATION ON THE CONNECTICUT SHORELINE
Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning

Spring semester Registration begins February 19 at 8:30 a.m.

and continues throughout the semester. Opening Day is March 3!

What Are You Doing Today?

How About Learning Something New?

SSILL Adult education on the Connecticut Shoreline
Experience the joy of learning! Explore the world of art or science. Delve into history, technology, or the wonders of nature. Join us at SSILL where there is always something new to learn and discover.

Would You Like to Go on a Tour?

Explore the Past and Present
Let’s go on an excursion! We offer a variety of fun and exciting programs for every semester. Whether you prefer to immerse yourself in the sounds of a concert, or explore a local nature center, historic landmark, or museum, we have the perfect experience for you.

What About Connecting With Your Community?

There’s always something to look forward to! The journey of education is enriched by the camaraderie of a vibrant community where friendships are forged through shared experiences and collective learning. Here, every program is more than just a lesson; it’s an opportunity to connect with fellow explorers, exchange ideas, and inspire one another.

We're in Your Neighborhood!

Guilford Free Library
A brick building with a sign in front of it
Guilford Community Center
A white house with a green lawn and trees.
Madison Senior Center
A house with solar panels on the roof.
Scranton Library, Madison
Evergreen Woods, Branford
SSILL offers programs at five convenient locations from Branford to Madison: The Guilford Community Center, Guilford Free Library, Scranton Memorial Library in Madison, the Madison Senior Center and Evergreen Woods in Branford. Each location is spacious with ample parking and handicap accessible amenities. SSILL follows the safety protocol and inclement weather instructions of these facilities.

SSILL…

The Schiller Shoreline Institute for Lifelong Learning’s mission is to develop and provide affordable, meaningful, intellectual and entertaining programs to area adults who share a love of learning and a desire to be part of a caring community.

How Do Our Programs Work?

Two Full Semesters a Year! Spring & Fall

SSILL offers two full semesters each year. You do not need to be a a resident of any particular town to join. Our Fall semester begins in early September and runs through mid-December. Our Spring Semester begins in early March and runs through mid-June. Each semester a printed brochure with program description is available. And, of course, this website will have an in-depth list of all programs with extensive descriptions, including a downloadable registration form.

How Many Programs Can I Sign Up For?

You may register for as many or as few programs as you wish! Most programs are held on one specific date, time and location. On occasion, programs may have a 2nd date booked, or a sequel to the first program. It is entirely up to you as to which programs you would like to attend. Popular programs, especially trips and hot topics, may book to capacity faster than others. We recommend registering early! You may register for programs throughout the semester if there is space. We can also put you on a wait list. It’s ok if you can’t make something you registered for; please just let us know so we can offer your space to someone else. Again, you may register in person at the front desk of the Guilford Community Center, or follow the instructions on our website to register online.

Presenters, Performers & Moderators

Our SSILL Program Committee works year-long to find and schedule a vast variety of programs and unique, fun, and knowledgeable presenters. Our presenters are experts in their respective fields and come from universities, museums, hospitals, theatre, government, nature groups, legal groups, local merchants, and more. We encourage you to give us feedback on the programs you attend, or pass along ideas for a program you would like to see included! We are proud to be a community that learns together and strives to offer meaningful, intellectual, and entertaining programs.

What Are Our Members Saying?

I truly look forward to the time I spend with my new friends at SSILL. I’ve learned and enjoyed so many things, I thank you one and all for your hard work! – JB  

My husband and I find the programs so stimulating and we love being with other intellectually curious people – JL  

SSILL is something I look forward to from September to June – EJ

SSILL provides a wonderful variety of speaker presentations that makes learning with friends fun. – TK

Membership & Fees

SSILL is a volunteer organization. We require a yearly membership of $35.00 per person to enroll in programs. An additional fee is required per program, per person. The majority of our programs are $3.00 and trips vary depending on location and transportation. Membership and program fees are paid through the Guilford Community Center, either online, or in person.

A Peek at Last Semester's Highlights

Food and War in Japan

Food and War in Japan

Rosa Mo, Ed.D, RD Rosa Mo, Ed.D, RD On November 25th, SSILL welcomed back Rosa Mo, Ed.D, RD by popular demand. Rosa was a presenter last spring, and the membership was pleased that she returned to speak about hunger in Japan during World War II. Rosa is a retired...

A Special THANK YOU!

A Special THANK YOU!

A talk about how the Jewish community both prospered and failed from World War I until the end of the Second World War.

HUMANITARIAN AID TO WAR RAVAGED UKRAINE

HUMANITARIAN AID TO WAR RAVAGED UKRAINE

A talk about the New Haven, CT Ukrainian American Humanitarian Aid Fund and their fundraising which has provided $9.5 million in aid to Ukraine. The country is in dire need for medical supplies and equipment.

ACTING WITH EMILY D

ACTING WITH EMILY D

A one-woman performance of Emily Dickenson in the “The Belle of Amherst” by performer Julie Fitzpatrick. The play was written by William Luce in 1976. The play was written by William Luce in 1976.

SHARKS IN LONG ISLAND SOUND

SHARKS IN LONG ISLAND SOUND

Sharks we have in our waters of Long Island Sound include the Sand Tiger Shark, Dusky Shark, Smooth Dogfish, Spiny Dogfish, and the Sandbar Shark. Sharks are not particularly interested in humans, and some of the fears we have of them are are based on myths.

Our subscribers receive a monthly Newsletter with updates to our programs when they occur, interesting news, reminders and other notable information. We also send occasional Spotlights of exiting lectures, concerts and trips. We strive not to overdo it and respect your privacy. Your email address is safe with us. We will never share it with anyone for any reason. We hope you will subscribe and discover the adult lifelong learning programs we offer.

Interested in Joining? Contact Us!

√  Request to be added to our postal or email mailing list. √  Ask about enrollment, upcoming programs, or locations. You may also stop by the Guilford Community Center during open hours! 32 Church Street, Guilford, CT 06437

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