What Tastes Like Home: Storytelling in the Garden (On-site Special Program)

Story District, featured storytellers from the USBG and beyond
Home holds immense meaning. It lies at the heart of our identity and understanding of the world, and central to the concept of home is food. Join us for a special evening in the Conservatory with Story District. Immerse yourself in true stories that vividly portray the profound connection between plants, food, and home. As you explore these universal themes, let the beauty of the surroundings enhance your experience.

6-7 p.m.: Doors open at 6 p.m. Enjoy a selection of seasonal cocktails, mocktails, and delicious small plates available for purchase from D.C.’s own Kendra Hazel, CEO/Creator of Green Things Work. 
7-7:45 p.m.: Program begins at 7 pm. 
7:45-9 p.m.: Following the program, chat with storytellers and fellow attendees. You’ll be able to grab another drink and enjoy special access to explore the Conservatory after hours. Doors close at 9 p.m.

Please note: Attendees of this program must be 21 and older. Food and beverages, as well as seating, will be limited. To guarantee your opportunity to find a seat and enjoy a drink and a snack, please arrive when doors open at 6 p.m. 

This program is offered in collaboration with the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden. If you're interested in supporting educational programs through a donation to the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden, click here.

Intended Audience: Adult All Levels (ages 21 years and older)

Thursday, April 25, 2024
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Eastern
Location: Conservatory Garden Court
Free: registration required


Register Here

About the presenters

Elizabeth Barton
Elizabeth Barton (she/her) has a passion for connecting people to plants through public horticulture. She joined the U.S. Botanic Garden team as the Volunteer Coordinator in June 2017. Elizabeth has a master's in Public Horticulture Administration from the Longwood Graduate Program and one in Plant Science from UMD. Elizabeth has a B.S. from the UD in Landscape Horticulture and Design.
Bertrand Brown-Orleans
Born in Ghana, Bertrand Brown-Orleans was raised loving all things food and cooking. He began his training in the traditional, experimental, comforting, and conventional, and then turned it all upside down. He enjoys finding fun, pleasure, and procuring a passion for food and all the people whom participate. When he was a child, his family moved to the United States, and he developed a passion for cooking by watching, helping, and learning alongside his mother, aunts, and family. Chef Bertrand attended California Culinary Academy, where he studied the culinary arts, baking, and pastry as well as hospitality management. He has worked with a variety of James Beard Foundation and Michelin Award winning kitchens and chefs including Jose Andres, Wolfgang Puck and Marcus Samuelson. Chef Bertrand currently is a chef educator, food stylist, and culinary consultant for his company Finger Foods Culinary LLC.
Sample Speaker
Cortnie Burriss is a proud native of Prince George’s county, a culturally historic suburb just outside of Washington, D.C. She has joyfully been in the world of academics as an instructor for over 20 years, spanning roles of classroom teacher, school administrator, and education reformer in her beloved city. She has since joined the U.S. Botanic Garden as Education Specialist for online programs and is dedicated to bringing community learning full circle through innovative online programming. When she's not sharing her screen with the USBG, she enjoys watering her plants, cuddling with her fun-loving eight-year-old daughter, and planning their next local tourist adventure.
Destiny Davis
Dr. Destiny Davis is the AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the U.S. Botanic Garden. She works with every team at the Garden to advance science and provide technical support to projects and partnerships. Prior to her work at the USBG, she studied plant cell division and the root microbiome.
Meg Lawrence
Meg Lawrence is originally from Youngstown, Ohio, but now resides in Silver Spring. She is a first-grade teacher and has been volunteering at the United States Botanic Garden for over 10 years.
Jessica Yabsley
Jessica Yabsley is the Director of Communications at a DC based research nonprofit dedicated to social impact and innovation. She is passionate about building a more informed, inclusive, and equitable society through the intersection of technology, data, and public policy. Originally from Australia, Jessica moved to Washington, DC ten years ago to further her career in US domestic policy. Jessica considers Sydney and DC home. She lives in the District with her pup, Bella B. Her storytelling journey began with a Story Districts 101 class.