Town Hall lecture series brings captivating speakers to Port Huron

Each year, the nonprofit Port Huron Town Hall strives to bring a variety of top-notch talent to the city as part of a unique lecture series.

Most recently, they invited author and journalist Denise Kiernan to share her story with the community. The engaging Denise Kiernan shared her tale of writing about America's largest mansion, the Biltmore House.storyteller spoke about how she finds and creates intriguing non-fiction stories, like her book, "The Last Castle," which tells the history of The Biltmore House and the Vanderbilt family. Biltmore House is a colossal home constructed not in the big city, but in the mountains of North Carolina.

The Town Hall series began as an opportunity to bring the community an immersive, cultural entertainment experience. Now nearly 65 years later, the programs remain extremely popular, selling out almost every month.

Town Hall board member Christina Ward says she's loved the series for years and loves being able to bring people to Port Huron and share the Blue Water area with them.

"...I love bringing people from all over to Port Huron to share ideas, opinions, and experiences with the Port Huron community," she says.

In 2018, guests included journalist Leslie Stahl, actor John Ratzenberger, Violinist Caroline Goulding, and author Denise Kiernan. This season wraps up Monday with Hall of Fame sports broadcaster, and St. Clair's own, Mike "Doc" Emrick.

As the nonprofit organization heads into its 65th year, patrons can expect a strong series in 2019-2020. Kicking off the next season on Oct.7 is Capt. Mark Kelly, a NASA space mission commander who spent a year in space.

Astronaut Mark Kelly will kick off the Port Huron Town Hall series in October.November brings Steve Hartman to town. Hartman is an award-winning broadcast journalist who can be seen on the CBS program, "On the Road."

Three Men and a Tenor will be the featured guests in December. The group has been offering family-friendly entertainment for more than 25 years.

In February 2020, Elizabeth Smart comes to share her story of hope and overcoming adversity. Smart was abducted in 2002 and held captive for nine months before finding a way to escape.

Today she advocates for recovery programs and legislation related to child abduction.

In March 2020, ticket-holders will be entertained by The Capitol Steps, Three Men and a Tenor will be part of Port Huron Town Hall next season.a stage show of former Senate staff members who decided to create a comedy about those they'd once worked for every day.

All lectures take place at 10:30 a.m. Mondays throughout the season at McMorran Place Theatre, 701 McMorran Blvd. in Port Huron.