FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 8, 2025
Contact: Allison Wergeland, Terrace Hill Communications & Events Coordinator
allison.wergeland@governor.iowa.gov | 515.281.7205
The Terrace Hill Partnership will present the Tea & Talk series at 2:00 pm each Saturday in February. Guests will hear from local speakers, who will cover topics centered around conservation, local Iowa history, arts and culture, and Terrace Hill artifacts and collections. Speakers will give short presentations in Terrace Hill’s Drawing Room. Tickets are $10 per program or $35 for a season pass. The speakers are donating their time and all proceeds will benefit the gardens of Terrace Hill. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at https://terracehillteaandtalk2025.eventbrite.com or by calling the Terrace Hill office at 515.281.7205.
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
February 1
Molly Thompson, Terrace Hill
Storytelling with Objects: The conversations we have with material culture
What can objects tell us about their history and significance? In this presentation, Terrace Hill Administrator Molly Thompson will discuss methods of object interpretation using examples from Terrace Hill’s collection. Audience members will have a chance to practice their object interpretation skills and are encouraged to bring a small object, family heirloom, or photograph for a show-and-tell portion of the program.
February 8
Michael Morain, Business Publications Corporation, Inc.
Headlines from History: Seven Stories from Iowa’s Past
News reporters are always chasing the latest scoop and the next big thing. But what if they had a press pass to the past? dsm magazine editor and former Des Moines Register reporter Michael Morain shares seven fascinating stories from Iowa history that he wishes he could have covered as they happened.
February 15
Tim McMillin, Des Moines Performing Arts and Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble
The Development of the American A Cappella Choral Tradition
Have you ever stopped to question from where the traditions of today's professional, collegiate and even secondary school choirs come? It isn't as ancient a proposition as you might think. In this presentation, DMVAE's Artistic Director and Conductor Tim McMillin will trace and discuss the legacy of contemporary collegiate and professional choral ensembles dating from the early decades of the 20th century. Early collegiate a cappella choirs such as the St. Olaf Lutheran Choir (F. Melius Christiansen), the Northwestern University (Peter C. Lutkin) and the Westminster Choir (John Finley Williamson) established standard performance practices that today's ensembles often imitate without awareness of their origin. Further, these same ensembles discovered, performed, commissioned and promoted works that are now part of the standard choral repertoire.
February 22
Kim Perez, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Connecting Plants, People, and the Natural World
In the heart of downtown Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is helping visitors find their true nature. Kim Perez, President & CEO, will discuss the past, present, and future of the Botanical Garden and the programs that are strengthening these connections within the community and for a growing number of visitors to the region.