Sir Roger Scruton introduces the audience to some of the mysteries of country life. His talk is a plea for tolerance toward a sport in which the love of animals prevails over the pursuit of them, and in which Nature herself is the center of the drama.  Listen >>

a talk with Sir Roger Scruton  -  Oct. 6, 2018

ON FOX HUNTING

Sir Roger Scruton explores this timeless concept, asking what makes an object beautiful. He argues that beauty is a real and universal value, anchored in our rational nature, and that the sense of beauty has an indispensable part to play in shaping the human world.  Listen >>

a lecture with Sir Roger Scruton  -  Oct. 4, 2018

WHAT IS BEAUTY & WHY WE NEED IT

In the country estate of Wethersfield as well as in the urban setting of Manhattan, we encounter many magnificent vistas that are fruits of a humanist tradition that spans thousands of years. Can the humanist tradition flourish anew under contemporary circumstances?  Listen >>

a lecture with Catesby Leigh  -  August 18, 2018

THE HUMANIST PROJECT

This course examines both the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed.  It considers their origins, the meaning of the crucial terms, and the theological questions and controversies to which they respond with a clear statement of the Church's faith.  Listen >>

a course with Rev. Joseph W. Koterski, S.J.  -  Fall 2017

THE CREED

This course provides a general account of ethics, an overview of The Natural Law approach to ethics, a comparison with such other moral theories as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, and a program for reading on this topic. Listen >>

a course with Rev. Joseph W. Koterski, S.J.  -  Fall 2016

THE NATURAL LAW

In this lecture series, Fr. Koterski provides a general overview of the Prophetic Writings and their Christian understanding. Listen >>

a course with Rev. Joseph W. Koterski, S.J.  -  Fall 2015

THE PROPHETS

Matthew Speer has a background in administrative work and Catholic education. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Christendom College, and is nearing the completion of his M.A. in Theology. His background includes working in Rome for a college study abroad program and teaching at a classical Catholic school in Virginia. Matthew began working for Wethersfield in 2018. He and his wife live on the Wethersfield Estate with their young family.

Program Director

MATTHEW SPEER

Peter Budnik is the youngest grandchild of Wethersfield's founder, Chauncey Devereux Stillman. He received his undergraduate degree in Religious Studies from the University of Chicago and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Notre Dame. He is currently a practicing architect in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he lives with his wife and children.

Board Chairman

PETER BUDNIK

Mr. John Henry Crosby

Director, Wethersfield Institute

Mr. Mark Henrie

Director, Wethersfield Institute

Rev. Joseph W. Koterski, S.J.

Director, Wethersfield Institute