Name: Tea & Talk Series at Terrace Hill
Start: 2026-02-07T14:00:00-06:00
End: 2026-03-07T15:30:00-06:00
Location: Terrace Hill

Experience the Tea & Talk Series at Terrace Hill, Iowa Governor's Residence and National Historic Landmark.
About this Event

NOTE: If purchasing a series pass, please select the Feb. 7 option under "Select a Date," then go to Tickets and select the series pass ticket. If purchasing individual sessions, please select the preferred date, then go to Tickets and select the single session ticket option.

The Terrace Hill Partnership is proud to present distinguished speakers who will bring timely programs to the Terrace Hill Drawing Room at 2:00 pm on the following Saturdays, February 7, 21, 28, and March 7. Each session will follow with a serving of tea and tasty treats. Tickets are $10 per session or $35 for a series pass. The speakers are donating their time and all proceeds will benefit the gardens of Terrace Hill. For more information, contact the Terrace Hill office at 515-281-7205.
February 7: Kelly Baum, John and Mary Pappajohn Director and CEO, Des Moines Art Center

Thriving: A New Era for the Des Moines Art Center

Dr. Kelly Baum arrived as the Art Center’s new director and CEO in May 2023, its first new leader in 18 years. Building on an excellent foundation, Baum is leading the Art Center into the future, planning for both the short and long term. Dr. Baum will discuss the Art Center’s new strategic plan, its role as one of the metro’s most important civic and cultural organizations, the ways it is evolving to better serve the community, and her goals to ensure the institution remains vibrant, creative, and ambitious as its centennial draws closer every year.

February 21: Aaron Harpold, Director of Horticulture, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

A Stroll Through the Seasons at The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Aaron fell in love with this jewel of a garden even before he was fortunate to join the team. Join him as he shares his passion and love for The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
February 28: Scott Allen, Historic Practice Leader, OPN Architects

Terrace Hill - B.F. Allen Greenhouse Reconstruction

The presentation will explore the early years of Terrace Hill Greenhouses during the two families that occupied Terrace Hill before transferring ownership to the State of Iowa in 1971. Beginning in 1869 with Benjamin Franklin Allen era and then 1884 Hubbell era ending in 1971. Exploring the changes to the greenhouse and garden structures in the south garden of the Terrace Hill Residence.

Many archaeological investigations have taken place for the Terrace Hill property after 1971. We will be reviewing the importance of understanding the history underground and the relationship to build structures, all while respecting the layers of history. Period photographs discovered years after the published archaeological surveys, document a moment of the pass and together with the archaeological records connections can be confirmed.

We will show an example of the reconstruction of the B.F. Allen Greenhouse and walk inside the virtual model to compare to images of the past. Discussion of respecting the later site elements while proposing a new custom greenhouse by using modern building codes will take place.

March 7: Susan Schmid and Tara Gartin, Author & Illustrator of No Company for Christmas

Turning Terrace Hill into a Book

No Company for Christmas, the first children’s book created especially for Terrace Hill, is the work of author Susan Maupin Schmid and artist Tara Gartin. The book began as oral story with projected illustrations, that was read by Governor Reynolds at the Christmas at Terrace Hill event in 2021. The story’s continuing popularity led Terrace Hill staff to request that it be published as a book. But oral stories and digital projections can’t be printed as they are. So, the entire project had to be recreated from scratch.

At this Tea & Talk, Susan and Tara will share how they transformed the original story into a gorgeously illustrated picture book. They will read the new story and project the all-new animated art on screen for everyone to enjoy. They’ll also share some of the process of creating a published book and what creative decisions they made along the way.