The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center’s Town and Gown Conversations program bridges the gap between the academic world and townspeople.
Twice year notable speakers are brought to the Center to meet with guests, share views, and exchange ideas on topics of mutual concern and interest, including art, the academy, business, history, philosophy, science, journalism, and politics.
Upcoming Program
The Big Four: How America Has Celebrated the Declaration of Independence
Tuesday, October 7, 6–8:30 p.m.
Cost: $45 REGISTER ONLINE
The Declaration of Independence has had some big birthdays—1826, 1876, 1926, and 1976—and each celebration tells us something surprising about the nation at that time. From the 50th to the 200th anniversary, Americans have gathered to honor the Declaration in ways that reflect both unity and division, pride and uncertainty. Join us as we revisit these milestone moments and uncover what they reveal about our own upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026. You may be surprised at how much the past speaks to the present.
About the Presenter
Dan Miller, founder of Historical Solutions, LLC, has spent his career showing leaders how history can illuminate today’s challenges. He has worked with CEOs, executives, community leaders, and organizations of all sizes—using history not as a lesson in the past, but as a guide for the future. Known for his immersive presentations and broad expertise, his passion brings history to life, making his talks both inspiring and memorable.
Additional Details
Dinner program includes a reception, an elegant dinner, and an engaging presentation to conclude the evening.
Donations to our Town and Gown Conversations program account helped offset the cost of this program
Open to age 21 and older.
MENU
Our compliments to University Catering for selecting an outstanding menu to enrich our evening.
Reception, 6-6:20 p.m.
Philadelphia Fish House Punch
Sugar, lemon peeled and juiced, black tea, rum, cognac, and peach brandy
Spiced Hot Apple Cider (alcohol-free)
Homemade Kettle Chips with French Onion Dip
Homemade Pigs-in-a-Blanket
Mixed Seasoned and Roasted Nuts
Dinner, 6:20-7:20 p.m.
Traditional Caesar Salad
Parker House Rolls
Steak Oscar
Ribeye filet topped with garlic-herb butter, handpicked wild crab meat, creamy homemade hollandaise sauce, served over grilled asparagus
Baked Alaska
Cherry pastry base, vanilla bean ice cream, toasted meringue, topped with Cherries Jubilee sauce
Beverages
Water, iced tea, lemonade
Wine service with dinner
Coffee available with dessert
T&G History
Introduced in 1982, the dinner-lecture series was the brainchild of
Mr. Martin D. Schwartz, Dr. Richard W. Burkhardt, and Dr. John T.
Koumoulides, all of whom were active in both community and university
activities. Their vision for the program was to cultivate rich
intellectual and social interactions between the two communities, which
still exists today.
Donations
If you would like to support the Town and Gown program, you may give online, by mail, on the phone, or through other methods.
Please make your gift to the account #3808, “Town and Gown.”