Friday Lectures

2025 Festival Information and Schedule of Events will be updated in May.

Informative programs 45 minutes on tea included in your admission fee

Seating hall limited to 50.

10:30 a.m

Holiday Traditions of Tea

From China to Europe and the Middle East, traditions of tea, both old and new, continue to bring a touch of flavor, community, and festivity to the holiday season. This presentation will explore selected holiday traditions (both spiritual and secular) in which TEA plays an important role. Tea and its role are explored in China, Islam, Russia, various Jewish traditions, Europe and the USA. Certified Tea Specialist Mike Raab of Tea-for-All in Trenton, NJ will take you on this journey of holidays, tea, and traditions.

11:30 a.m.

A Dark History of Tea- Stories of Swindling, Adulteration, Greed and War

Join Judi Slack as she explores the dark history of tea as she examines our long relationship with this most revered of hot beverages. This session explores the less tasteful history of a drink now considered quintessentially British. Discover the story of how, carried on the backs of the cruelty of slavery and illicit opium smuggling, it flowed into the cups of British society as an enchanting beverage. Together we will take a fascinating journey from myth, fable and folklore to the murky stories of swindling, adulteration, greed, waging of wars, boosting of trade in hard drugs and slavery, which drove the globalization of the world economy. These thought provoking dark discoveries will cast away any thoughts of tea as something that merely accompanies breaks, sit downs and scones. Instructor Judi Slack is a passionate tea devotee from Cleveland. With a lifetime of interest in tea, coupled with various certificates achieved at the World Tea Academy, and the enthusiasm to share her knowledge, this informative session promises to be an interesting journey through history.

12:30 p.m.

The Making of TeaTime Magazine

TeaTime Magazine is the premier magazine for tea enthusiasts. Featuring a range of articles about tea, culinary hints and tips, tea room profiles, and fabulous photography, it is inspirational to all who love tea. Join Lorna Reeves, editor of TeaTime, as she dishes on the 20-year history of the award-winning magazine. She’ll talk about how the magazine began, how it has evolved over the years, and what it takes to create each 100-page issue. Lorna will field questions from the audience and will welcome ideas and requests for content for future issues. Lorna is an avid tea enthusiast. Her speaking engagements take her to various tea festivals across the United States and Canada. In addition, she has hosted TeaTime in Alabama, a weekend getaway at their Birmingham, Alabama location featuring lectures and all things tea, and she has hosted tea themed travel adventures abroad. It is with great appreciation that we welcome Lorna Reeves to the PA Tea Festival this year.

1:30 p.m.

The Royal Brooches of Queen Elizabeth II

Prior to Princess Elizabeth's marriage to Philip Mountbatten, she owned six brooches. An additional 41 brooches were among her wedding gifts. Over the years, her jewelry collection grew during her reign, until it needed an entire vault 150 feet long at Buckingham Palace to house the royal jewels. It is noted that there was no official or unofficial inventory during her lifetime. Take a peek into some of her unique collection during this presentation; including the storage, travel, and care of these bejeweled treasures. Learn about the special occasions (and hidden meanings?) when brooches adorned her left shoulder. Royal watcher Teresa Weddelman guides us through the Queen's jewelry box during this interesting session.

2:30 p.m.

Japanese Tea Traditions. The Way of Tea

Sachiko Houck, born in Fukuoka, Japan but currently residing in Lancaster, PA will share her knowledge of the Japanese style of tea. With a strong background in the ‘way of tea’, learning from her mother during her early years, and continuing her studies with Chado Urasenke Tankokai in Philadelphia, (a kyokai or alumni association of the Urasenke international school of tea ceremony), Sachiko will offer a glimpse into Japanese tea traditions. This class will provide an introduction to the cultural aspects of the tea ceremony, which provides a once in a lifetime moment, never to be repeated. The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a lifelong learning process, incorporating the four principals of the tea ceremony; harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility, while essentially creating a moving meditation for the guests and host. Featured in the tea ceremony is Matcha tea, a powdered green tea. The ever growing popularity of Matcha tea has placed a spotlight on the early cultural use of this tea. The unique variety of equipage used in the preparation of ceremonial Matcha will also be discussed.