Saturday, Sept. 14 at 9 a.m.—WOODSTOCK—This year’s TEDxHartlandHill conference theme is “Awe.” Get ready to be amazed, inspired, and awestruck by the lineup of speakers and performers. Join in person at the Billings Farm & Museum for a day filled with mind-blowing talks, interactive sessions, and unforgettable moments.
In 2024, TEDxHartlandHill will provide a moment of respite — a moment of awe. Even in the midst of difficult times, there is so much wonder in our world—so much for which to stand in awe. This fall, join us and appreciate our world and all its magnificent mysteries.
The event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
The event features a special TEDx performance by Tuck & Patti kicking off their week-long residency in Woodstock. For over 45 years, this unique, genre-crossing vocal/guitar duo has cast its passionate musical spell worldwide, capturing the hearts of lovers, the respect of jazz buffs and the jaw-dropping awe of guitarists and singers. Featured 2024 speakers include:
Nori Pepe: Former circus performer, aerial photographer, U.S. Freestyle Ski Team
Passionate and adventurous, Nori Pepe has held intriguing roles such as circus performer, aerial photographer, U.S. Freestyle Ski Team member, and artist. For the past seven years, she has lived in Woodstock and worked as PR and marketing manager at Billings Farm & Museum. Her travels and adventurous spirit deeply influence her art.
Dr. James Mcleary: Elder, board member, Inside Circle
James Mcleary is an expert group facilitator and program creator serving on the Elder Council of Inside Circle, an organization leading groundbreaking men’s circles comprised of both heads of industry and incarcerated violent offenders, taking place in both Folsom State Prison and San Quentin State Prison. The program provides opportunities for men to heal and serve both themselves and others, reducing recidivism and all forms of violence in our prisons and communities.
Michelle Hogle Acciavatti, M.Sci.: founder, Head Cemeterian, Vermont Forest Cemetary
Michelle Acciavatti, a licensed funeral director and death doula, specializes in helping people come into relationship with their mortality, natural death care and natural burial wishes. She helped legalize natural burial in Vermont and helped found Spirit Sanctuary in New York before opening Vermont Forest Cemetery, the first natural burial ground in Vermont in 2023. With extensive training and experience, she co-founded The Collective for Radical Death Studies and works with diverse populations in various settings.
Schedule:
8:30–9 a.m. Coffee Clutch/check-in
Welcome by Jennifer Flaster from Billings Farm & Museum and Deborah Greene from TEDxHartlandHill.
9-11 a.m. /Session 1: Art
“Your Brain on Awe: Neuroscience and the transformative power.” Speakers include: Melodie Winawer, associate professor of neurology at Columbia University; Ada Mohood, Woodstock Union High School senior/aspiring journalist; and Nori Pepe.
“The Awe in All.” Speaker is: James Mcleary, forensic psychologist, executive producer.
Session 1 will end with a portion of time to meet and mingle with speakers and participants in the barn.
11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. /
Session 2: Co-existence
“Rewriting the Narrative: Cognitive Breakthroughs in Down Syndrome.” Speaker is: Jessica Ong, researcher at Stanford Heller Lab.
“The Art of Disappearing.” Speaker is: Trina Merry/Animal Dance Performers, NYC body painter.
“The Legacy of Life.” Speaker is: Michelle Hogle Accivatti, natural death doula, founder of Vermont Forest Cemetary.
12:15-1:30 p.m. lunch
Interactive exhibits and tastings.
1:30-2:30 p.m. / speaker’s Q&A (lunch- and-learn) in the barn.
2:30-4 p.m. Session 3: Inspiration
“The Power of Hands.” Speaker is: Story Smith, physical therapist educator.
“The Spaces In Between.” Speaker is: Kim Nolan, Buddist chaplain.
“All out awe.” With Tuck & Patti, award-winning genre-crossing duo.
4 p.m. Conference concludes
6-9 p.m. Enjoy dinner with speakers at the Jackson House (additional tickets required).
