Norman Eisen, a globally recognized authority on law, ethics, and anti-corruption, Susan Corke, executive director, Democracy Defenders Action & Democracy Defenders Fund, and Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, will lead a discussion on the prosecutorial process and enforcing legal limits on the current Trump administration. James D. Zirin, author, legal analyst, and television show host, will moderate. Together, this panel will explore the urgent threats facing democracy today—and the essential guardrails needed to protect it—in a candid, insightful, and compelling conversation.

Click HERE for Tickets.

FULL SCHEDULE:

GUARDRAILS ON DEMOCRACY
MONDAY, JULY 7, 7 PM

SNL: 50 YEARS OF AMERICAN SATIRE
MONDAY, JULY 14, 7 PM

POST-PLAY CHILDHOOD
MONDAY, JULY 21, 7 PM

ORDER OR CHAOS: THE ECONOMY UNDER TRUMP
MONDAY, JULY 28, 7 PM

Hamptons Institute is a forum for ideas that shape both our community and the world. Founded in 2010 at Guild Hall, the Hamptons Institute returns with a compelling series of dynamic conversations. Each session features world-renown experts from diverse fields exploring a single topic through multiple perspectives, followed by an audience Q&A. 

The Hamptons Institute’s 2025 installment is guest-curated by Ellen Chesler—author and Hamptons Institute co-founder (alongside Guild Hall’s late Chair, Mickey Straus)—and Patricia Duff, founder of the nonpartisan nonprofit The Common Good, dedicated to civic participation, civil dialogue, and finding solutions through common ground.

ABOUT HAMPTONS INSTITUTE

Founded in 1931 by Mary Woodhouse and her husband Lorenzo, Guild Hall began as a civic institution anchored by a museum and theater. The multidisciplinary arts institution has long been driven by the conviction that engaging with the arts—through exhibitions, performances, and meaningful dialogue—sparks connection, deepens understanding, and inspires people to participate more actively in the world beyond the boundaries of the East End. 

This mission expanded in the 1980s with the launch of Hot Topics, a series designed to spark civic discourse, featuring notable panelists like Peter Jennings, recognized for his commitment to democratic journalism. Today, alongside its rich offerings in performing and visual arts, Guild Hall continues to foster thoughtful dialogue with leading luminaries across diverse fields.

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Elias Weiss Friedman—better known to his 11 million+ followers as The Dogist—for a special live event celebrating the transformative power of dogs and the stories from his new heartwarming book which hit #2 on the NYTimes Bestsellers List, This Dog Will Change Your Life.

This intimate evening will feature The Dogist on stage sharing stories and insights from his own life. Friedman weaves together tales of the many dogs he has been lucky enough to know, both in his personal life and while doing his Dogist work. As part of the “Live” experience, audiences will witness Elias photographing dogs live on stage, getting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his signature portrait process in real time.

The evening will also showcase members of The Dogist community sharing their own personal stories about how dogs have changed their lives forever. We’ll meet adoptable dogs from ARF (Animal Rescue Fund of The Hamptons) and learn about their unique journeys, offering attendees the chance to connect with dogs looking for their forever homes.

Special guest Ali Wentworth will moderate the evening, joining The Dogist in conversation and sharing her own experiences about how dogs have shaped and enriched her life, bringing her signature warmth and humor to this celebration of the human-canine bond.

Be Part of the Story: We invite you to participate in this special evening by sharing your most compelling “this dog changed my life” story for a chance to join The Dogist onstage during the show. Send your story to The Dogist at info@thedogist.com for a chance to be featured.

All tickets include a copy of the instant New York Times bestselling book This Dog Will Change Your Life. The evening will conclude with a book signing, giving you the opportunity to meet The Dogist and have your copy personally signed.

STIRRING THE POT WITH FLORENCE FABRICANT
GUEST: ANDREW CARMELLINI

Stirring the Pot closes out the 15th consecutive year with a this this last session where New York Times food & wine writer Florence Fabricant will have a conversation with chef and restaurateur Andrew Carmellini, who has opened a collection of restaurants after making his name at the original Café Boulud. 

After 15 years of cooking behind the scenes he struck on his own with the smash hit Locanda Verde with his partner Robert De Niro. The next year The Dutch was the NYT restaurant of the year and 19 restaurants and 15 years later he opened his namesake Café Carmellini at The Fifth Avenue Hotel. 

Attendees are invited to arrive at 10 AM for a breakfast by provided by Citarella.

STIRRING THE POT WITH FLORENCE FABRICANT
GUEST: PETE WELLS

Stirring the Pot returns for the 15th consecutive year with a series of four insightful and entertaining talks. For the first session, New York Times food & wine writer Florence Fabricant will have a conversation with Marc Murphy, a chef and television personality. Then we’ll welcome Christina Tosi, known for her uncommon confections and string of Milk Bars. Then Pete Wells, who was the chief restaurant critic for The New York Times for 12 years. The final guest will be chef and restaurateur Andrew Carmellini, who has opened a collection of restaurants after making his name at the original Café Boulud.

Pete Wells finally shelved his aliases a year ago after 12 years as the restaurant critic for The New York Times. His specialty, as he has put it, is writing “with opinion and analysis about all kinds of restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine in all kinds of neighborhoods for all kinds of prices.” He’s from Rhode Island, and worked as an editor at Food & wine and at the Times before being tapped to call the vast world of New York restaurants home turf. 

Attendees are invited to arrive at 10 AM for a breakfast provided by Citarella.