Tea Area Historical Society’s 22nd anniversary next month

Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for the upcoming open house at the Tea Museum in honor of the Tea Area Historical Society’s 22nd anniversary on Saturday, November 13th at 1 p.m. The special event will include an open house of the museum and cake and coffee will be provided. Everyone is invited to attend and help the Society celebrate.

The first meeting of the TAHS was held at the Trinity Lutheran Church on November 16, 1999 and included seventeen prospective members. The old St. Nicholas Catholic Church was purchased by the city of Tea and was used for a Smithsonian display of World War II posters. The TAHS was active in presenting several programs to coincide with the display at that time. The Historical Society was very fortunate as the use of the building was eventually turned over to the Society for a museum. The museum has grown with many contributions from the community and folks with ties to the community. Of special interest is the fine, growing teapot collection which includes several hundred teapots from all over the country.

The TAHS takes an active part in the community and publishes a ‘Postcard From The Past’ in the local newspaper, has sold afghans and calendars and sponsors the Ma and Pa Teapot candidates for Teapot Days. Also during Teapot Days they hold a pancake breakfast as a fundraiser and serve about 300 people. They were active in placing a historical marker on the Reuben Reichelt farm north of Tea, the former site of Antioch, a post office and stage station on the Yankton Trail. In 2002 they published the ‘Time For Tea’ history book with the help of many contributors and a grant from the DAR. The TAHS has sponsored a number of speakers and workshops that have historical significance. The Society is available to share with the schools tours of the museum and historical information. Currently TAHS is actively supporting the local Veterans Memorial.

TAHS meets once a month except January and February. All are welcome to come and help preserve the history of Tea and the community.

Their mission statement is: The Tea Area Historical Society’s purpose is to study and record history and development of the Tea area. As a part of its mission, the Society works to mark and preserve historical buildings and sites. Through its meetings the Society educates its members and the public on the rich heritage of the people and the land.