I DID IT! I actually published 2 – count them 2! – videos this month! Well, don’t get too excited. The reason I got a couple posted was that I changed my mind. I had been publishing my Laura in a Minute videos in small collections so they would hit around the 10-15 minute length. Things have changed on YouTube and I think having smaller more precise videos with only 1 per upload is going to work better for most viewers so I’m republishing them one at a time.
Here are the videos I posted during April 2024:
1. Laura In a Minute Jack the Bulldog
Laura’s Jack the Bulldog is a favorite character in the “Little House” book series. He’s also a favorite collectible for fans when they visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder homesites. Here is my Jack collection.
2. Laura In a Minute First Version of the Little House Books
Before the Garth Williams version of the “Little House” books came out in 1954, the original set of the books was very different. The illustrations were first done by Helen Sewell who later worked with Mildred Boyle. Originally the early books in the series came out in a square little kid family format and the later volumes were shaped more like adult novels. I also talk about how you can see this version of the books.
Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.
May is a little slower than April for presentations, but this is when all the rest of the homesites open. So that makes up for it.
Packing Up – Corning Opera House – Corning, Iowa – Friday, May 3, 2024 – 1:00pm
A Long Way Home aka General Laura Program – Adair, Iowa – Saturday, May 18, 2024 – 10:30am
In the Kitchen with Laura – Indianola Activity Center – Indianola, Iowa – Tuesday, May 28, 2024 – 1:00pm
Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.
We’ve got a super bunch of events this May. From clean up events for sites to TV events to the musical. There is a little something for everyone this month.
Pepin WI
Home at Laura’s Place – 9:00 am to 5:00pm (2nd weekend, Saturday and Sunday)
May 11-12, 2024
Visit the Little House Wayside in Pepin, WI on these special weekends to see the cabin fully furnished and re-enactors demonstrating the arts of daily living in the 1870s. This is a cooperative activity of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Days Committee, and the Austin Tea Party Players.
50th Anniversary Cast Reunion Event – Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards in Pepin, WI – May 10-11, 2024, LaCrosse WI – May 12, 2024 (See more detail under cast reunion)
Independence KS
This year Prairie Days has been changed into a cast reunion event. There is more information under the reunion events section.
50th Anniversary Event – Independence, KS – Prairie Days-A LHOTP Cast 50th Celebration on May 31 – June 2, 2024
Burr Oak IA
Laura’s Sack Lunch Drive-Thru Meal – May 5, 2024
A fundraising drive through featuring the Winnesheik County Cattlemen. It also includes an open house at the new school building with live music, presentations by their Little Miss Lauras, and refreshments.
Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.
It’s not always easy to find out about what’s going on for Laura Ingalls Wilder events around the country. I finally decided that current information is probably best posted on a month-by-month basis so for current information search this site for the name of the month you are looking for and the word “event” (for example March 2024 Laura Ingalls Wilder Events).
Let me know if I’m missing any. Most of these events are annual but check with the group hosting the event for exact dates for following years. There are a few events that no longer exist.
I have enough information that I want to post what I have for 2024. The events I haven’t gotten dates for yet still have 2023 dates and are italicized. I’ll update them as I get more information.
Or find it wherever you get your podcasts under Trundlebed Tales.
Silver Lake October 2018
Pepin WI
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s 157th birthday is February 7, 2024. They’ll be celebrating in Pepin at the Little House Wayside, the cabin at her birth site, on February 3, 2024 from Noon-2:00pm. Come on by!
Home at Laura’s Place – 9:00 am to 5:00pm (2nd weekend, Saturday and Sunday)
May 10-12, 2024
June 8-9, 2024
July 13-14, 2024
August 10-11, 2024
Visit the Little House Wayside in Pepin, WI on these special weekends to see the cabin fully furnished and re-enactors demonstrating the arts of daily living in the 1870s. This is a cooperative activity of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Days Committee, and the Austin Tea Party Players.
50th Anniversary Cast Reunion Event – Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards in Pepin, WI – May 10-11, 2024, LaCrosse WI – May 12, 2024 (See more detail under cast reunion)
Laura Days – September 14 & 15, 2024
This is their big Laura event of the year. Traditionally they include the most participants (including adults) who dress in prairie clothes, a regional fiddle contest, and a Traditional Crafts demonstration area.
Hours
2024 Season Opens: May 1, 2024
Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Daily (including weekends & holidays) from May 1st thru October 26, 2024 (including Memorial Day, July 4, & Labor Day).
Last Day of Season: October 26, 2024
Independence KS
This year Prairie Days has been changed into a cast reunion event. There is more information under the reunion events section.
50th Anniversary Event – Independence, KS – Prairie Days-A LHOTP Cast 50th Celebration on May 31 – June 2, 2024
Carrie Ingalls Swanzey’s Birthday Party – Saturday August 3, 2024
Hours
Open March 15th – November 1st, 2024 – 10:00 pm – 5:00 pm everyday.
[Opening and closing dates not confirmed.]
Walnut Grove MN
Online Laura Ingalls Wilder Birthday Special – February 4, 2024 – 3:00 pm –
The Walnut Grove pageant will have another online celebration of Laura’s birthday. This time focused on the actresses who played Nellie Oleson in the pageant over the years. The interviews will be live, recorded, or read. Due to time constraints, they are interviewing the Nellie actresses who had been in the Walnut Grove Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant for 5 years or more. They would still like to hear from any Nellie actress in the form of a short bio of what you are up to now and any thoughts on acting as Nellie Oleson in our production.
Find-a-Grave Presentation – April 18, 2024
Bonnie Caldwell will present about grave hunting. Bonnie will share how to use the Find-A-Grave site and provide tips on making it a fun experience.
Walnut Grove Pageant – This year continues a brand-new trilogy of plays in place of the Fragments of a Dream pageant. The first in the trilogy will be closest to traditional Fragments of a Dream so they did the 2nd one last year. This year it’s the third one, Dream Fulfilled.
July 12-13, 2024
July 19-20, 2024 (Reunion Weekend)
July 26-27, 2024
Family Festival held in Walnut Grove City Park on pageant Saturdays, July 12, 19, and 26, 2024. The festival goes from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Check the Walnut Grove website for full schedule and more details as it gets closer.
2024 will be the 50th Anniversary of the Little House on the Prairie TV show (NBC). Walnut Grove is the homesite that has had the most to do with the TV show and has announced they will definitely be following up their 40th and 45th reunions with one this year. They are still rolling out information. If you plan on going look for where you want to stay now because they aren’t many spaces yet.
50th Anniversary Cast Reunion Event – Walnut Grove, MN – July 19-21, 2024 (Scroll up to Walnut Grove section for more information)
This is not one of the repeating productions and so will be done differently. This is Paul Valenti’s report on Facebook in January: “You DO NOT need an advance ticket to attend the reunion events being held within Walnut Grove. Autograph/Meet & Greet tickets will be available when you arrive in Walnut Grove. It is also not expected that tickets for the evening pageants will sell out, there is always more room ‘on the hill’ for that particular event. I DO expect that there will be a brunch and a dinner event held that weekend for which you WILL need an advance ticket. So all that the fans should concern themselves with right now, in regards to the Walnut Grove Reunion, is finding lodging and transportation, everything else will be announced in plenty of time for those of you who are looking to participate in the various events taking place that weekend.”
That is good advice, except I would pre-buy the pageant tickets as soon as possible to get good seats. Some people prefer to sit on a blanket on the hill though so it’s up to you. The pageant will be the play put on by the townspeople every year and a pre- pageant Q and A session with the TV show cast. You do not have to pre-buy a ticket to the Autograph/Meet & Greet sessions. They will also have a photo with the cast on Sunday. This is my playlist of videos from when I attended their event in 2014. I’ve got it cued up to video 3 which is when I made it to Walnut Grove.
Friday, July 19: Bruncheon ($70)
Saturday, July 20: Luncheon ($70)
-Your ticket includes a meal, a photo of you & others at your table with the Star, and a Gift Bag with exclusive items.
-You are only allowed to attend one of these events. You cannot attend both the bruncheon and luncheon.
-Additional information will be released by April 1st. Pre-sale date and times will be announced at that time.
Sunday, July 21 Photo Opportunity ($25)
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Community Center
You will have an opportunity to get a photograph with all of the Stars attending our reunion. The Stars will be seated and staged for you to join their photo. The photos will be taken on your personal device.
2024 Walnut Grove Museum Hours Schedule – Republished With Permission
Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove with Pa’s Bell
Burr Oak IA
Normally Burr Oak has a lot of smaller events throughout the year. This year they are planning on them again, but nothing is planned that far out. Check back later in the year for more. Under events on their website they have Laura Days dates out to 2030.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Park & Museum Annual Meeting January 20, 2024, Burr Oak Lutheran Church 6pm, if you are interested in attending by Zoom e-mail the museum and you will be sent the link. museum@lauraingallswilder.us
Spaghetti Supper – Decorah Lutheran church on March 9, 2024 from 4:30-7:00 pm. Live auction of donated items from local businesses and homemade pies begins at 7:00 pm. $15 for adults; $5 for children ages 5-12; 4 and under free. Carry-outs and meatless sauce available. Meet our Little Miss Lauras and learn about our latest projects!
Laura’s Sack Lunch Drive-Thru Meal – May 5, 2024
A fundraising drive through featuring the Winnesheik County Cattlemen. It also includes an open house at the new school building with live music, presentations by their Little Miss Lauras, and refreshments.
Enter the Masters Hotel Coloring Contest! The 2024 information should be published May 1, 2024. The contest is open for all 8, 9, and 10 year olds. Download the picture and send to the museum. They will release the date to mail by and update the details later. Be sure to include your name and address on the other side of the picture. The winner will be announced at the Annual Laura Day Celebration. Need not to be present to win. All entries become the property of the museum. The winning picture will be displayed in the Laura Museum Visitor Center for the remainder of the season. The winner will receive the Laura Ingalls Wilder Coloring Book illustrated by Cheryl Harness. Click the link below to print the picture and entry form. Coloring Contest Rules
Hours – Unconfirmed for 2024
Opens May 1, 2024
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Last tour 3:00 pm
Sunday: Noon – 4:00 pm, Last tour 3:00 pm
Memorial Day – Labor Day Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Last tour 4:00 pm
Sunday: Noon – 4:00 pm, Last tour 3:00 pm
Post Labor Day – Mid October: Thursday-Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Last tour 3:00 pm
Closed Sunday-Wednesday
Last day of the 2024 season TBD
De Smet SD
De Smet Memorial Society
Beyond The Prairie: A Journey Through the Lives of Laura Ingalls Wilder & Rose Wilder Lane will be the special exhibit for 2024.
Immerse yourself in the Wilder Legacy. Encounter the real Laura and Rose through their lives, writings, and relationship through a special display. May thru September 2024
De Smet Pageant
Prairie Girl: Laura’s Dakota Stories – An original production and is described as featuring Laura and early De Smet history.
July 5, 6, 7, 2024
July 12, 13, 14. 2024
July 19, 20, 21, 2024
Gates Open 6 pm, Performance at 8 pm
Old Settlers Day will be Saturday, June 8, 2024.
The Ingalls Homestead is hosting a Plein Air Event(painting in the open air) in conjunction with the Harvey Dunn Society. Find more details about a previous event. – August 8-11, 2024 with the wet sale on Sunday the 11th.
We don’t have dates for 2024 for their Christmas events, but I assume they will happen again this year.
“Christmas at the Ingalls Home” – No dates confirmed yet Join us for early holiday shopping plus a chance to tour the Ingalls House on 3rd Street free of charge. Stop at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society for your free ticket.
“Radio Pageant”- No dates confirmed
You can attend in person at the De Smet Wellness Center. Previously it was broadcast live on Facebook, also, but no confirmation of that yet.
Memorial Society
May & September: Monday-Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
School fieldtrips typically visit in the mornings.
Please call ahead to confirm tours.
October-April: Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Call ahead for tour times
Holiday Hours: We will be closed December 26, 2024 and January 2, 2025 so that our employees can spend the Holidays with their families.
Ingalls Homestead
2024 Hours
SPRING: May 1 – 23, 2024
Monday – Friday – Hours vary daily as we host school field trips. Please contact us for availability.
Saturday & Sunday – We are closed on weekends prior to Memorial Day.
We do not keep regular hours during our spring season, but we do welcome visitors. Our activities are limited in the spring and can vary depending on when you visit. During our spring season, we do not offer the pony and pony cart rides. We are generally closed the Friday prior to Memorial Day weekend, to give us a day of transition between school field trips and our summer season.
SUMMER: May 25 – September 2, 2024
Open 9am-7pm, Activities from 10am – 6pm. The first covered wagon ride leaves at 10am and the final covered wagon ride leaves at 6pm, with rides and activities throughout the day. We are open every day including Sundays, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
AUTUMN: September 3 – September 30, 2024
Open 9AM – 5PM; Activities offered from 11am – 2pm, Saturday Activities offered from 11am-4pm
We have the covered wagon ride, pony and pony cart rides, and hands-on activities each day. We will not be offering the one-room schoolhouse session except on Saturdays.
October 1 – October 31, 2024 Daily 9AM – 5PM, weather permitting.
No activities offered, but the grounds, visitors center, and gift shop are open.
WINTER: The grounds are closed for the winter, but we are still in the office. If you would like to make a camping reservation, request information, or place a phone order, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Spring Valley MN
Spring Cleaning May 4, 2024
Ice Cream Social June 21, 2024 at 5pm
Eliza Jane One Room School Days End of July (TBD)
Ag Days (formerly Wilder Fest) August 16-18, 2024
Winter Fundraiser Fall/Winter (TBD)
Hours
Open between Memorial Day Weekend thru the end of August. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily. During September and October open Saturday and Sunday only, 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Additional hours and events may be added later.
Mansfield MO
Note: Mansfield has been scheduling small events without a lot of notice. If this trend continues I will add them to list as soon as I find out about them.
For the 2024 the Special Season Exhibit- “Remembering Almanzo Wilder.” They have worked on filling in the spot where the previous museum was. They’ve kept Almanzo’s workshop and built a restoration of their garage. It will be the focal point of this year’s special exhibit.
Independence Day
The Fourth of July is always celebrated in Mansfield, Missouri. Parades have been a tradition here since the days of Horses pulling Decorated Wagons and Buggies. Today we all celebrate Independence Day in Mansfield with a Parade, Festival and Fireworks.
Rocky Ridge Adventure Pioneer Camp – July 22-26, 2024 The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home Association “Rocky Ridge Adventure Pioneer Camp” for the 2023 season! The camp will be for children ages (9-12). Camp will cost $TBA per child and will include a week of exciting adventures around Rocky Ridge Farm. Campers will enjoy many learning activities, bringing a hands-on perspective to the pioneer lifestyle. Email: liw.pioneercamp@gmail.com Camp will take place, rain or shine!! Your child will not want to miss this special week of historic fun and memories!!!! Register today and reserve your spot! What is included from last year’s post – Registration cost includes 5 days of camp, tin cup, badge, book, shirt and a hat (bonnet for girls and coon skin cap for boys). For more information, call 417-924-3626.
“Laura’s Memories” – An Outdoor Pageant
Sadly the Ozarks Mountain Players have closed down. The rights to the script and songs have reverted to their authors. There is some hope in town another group in town will restart ”Laura’s Memories” the pageant in Mansfield City Park. Sadly this is the second Laura pageant group, after the one in Pepin, Wisconsin which closed some years ago, to close. It’s the first long running pageant to do so. It had great music and the most comfortable pageant theater of the current shows.
49th Wilder Days – September 27-28, 2024
Annual celebration commemorating Laura Ingalls Wilder, America’s favorite pioneer girl, and her cherished Little House books. Sadly they didn’t get funding for the fiddle contest on Wilder Day. It will be a great day to enjoy hearing fiddle music Pa’s Fiddle played.
Please come out and enjoy the festivities. Visit our Facebook page for more info.
Wilder Dinner – September 27, 2024 The 5th Annual, “Wilder Dinner.” The date has not been announced, but is normally on the Friday of Wilder Days. The special guest this year will be Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder on the NBC series).
Jean C. Coday Day at Rocky Ridge Farm – Nov. 2, 2024
As former director (1993-2018) and board member (1960-2018) of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum we honor her memory and years of service with a discounted ticket price of $10 for all active and retired teachers and librarians. Mrs. Coday had a passion for children, devoting 31 years as a teacher/administrator with the Mansfield school system. The Jean C. Coday Elementary School Library was named in her honor in 2000. The board of directors have decided to make this an annual event on the Saturday closest to her birthday.
Christmas at Laura’s – Saturday, December 14, 2024 – 5pm-7pm
Opening and decorating the Rocky Ridge farmhouse for Christmas is a tradition here on Rocky Ridge Farm. Holiday shopping in the giftshop. Come celebrate Christmas with us in a most special way!
It’s Mansfield’s Christmas in the Ozarks that day with Activities starting at 2pm, a Christmas Tea from 2:30-3:30pm, and the parade at 4pm. Most stores around the square will be having an activity.
Hours
March 1st – November 15th, 2024 (Closed Easter Sunday, March 31)
Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Adult Ticket – $18.00 Children 6 to 17 – $8.00 Children 5 & Under – Free
Annual Meeting and Dinner! Jan. 26,2024 at the As We Like It Cafe in Malone NY. Special presentation by Melanie Stringer, historian and Wilder scholar. Details at http://almanzowilderfarm.com/blog
Eclipse Days – Sunday, April 7, 2024 12pm – 3pm, Monday, April 8, 2024 11am – 3pm
Museum and Gift Shop open and the grounds are open for eclipse viewing
Fiber Arts – Every Wednesday starting April 17, 2024 3pm-5pm
Opening for the Season May 25, 2024
Fun on the Farm! – Saturday, June 22, 2024 10am – 4 pm A fun day for kids with traditional games to play. Winners will be announced for the art show and essay contest. Honorary Almanzo and Laura will be chosen! Check back for more details.
The following annual event dates haven’t been released for 2024
Celebration of Youth and Morgan Horse – July 16, 2022 Children’s art on display, along with students’ essays. Award ceremony and the announcement of Honorary Laura and Almanzo Kids art activities, 19th century games, vendors, food Entertainment & more! Dean Butler who played Almanzo Wilder on the TV show will guest.
Annual Cultural Festival – Scottish Fling – July 15, 2023
Our annual cultural events will resume this summer with our 2nd Scottish Fling! Come enjoy the enchanting sounds of bagpipes, watch traditional Scottish dancers, and try some Scottish fare, as we celebrate the influence of the Scots in rural northern NY when the Wilder family lived here. Vendors invited.
Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder Anniversary Celebration – August 25, 2024
Lemonade and Cupcakes, free admission for people with the same anniversary (must show proof)
Annual Harvest Festival & Civil War Living History Encampment – September 23 & 24, 2023 Civil War living history encampment Pumpkin painting and children’s 19th century game in the orchard, children’s corn pit in the barn, Adult juried art show on display Entertainment, demonstrators, craft & produce
Christmas with Almanzo – December 2, 2023 – 11am -3pm Join us at Christmas with Almanzo! Kids’ holiday crafts, carol singing, Farmer Boy Christmas chapter readings, and gift shop open! FREE admission.
ALL EVENTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Their regular season runs from May 25 through September 30, 2023. If planning a visit when they are closed you can reach out and ask about a special tour. Higher rates apply for small special groups, regular rates for groups over 3 people if they can arrange the staff.
Vinton IA
Tours are not currently available. We are in doubt of future events due to uncertainty of the future of the building.
Keystone SD – Longtime Home of Carrie Ingalls Swanzey
50th Anniversary Event – Carrie Days: A Celebration of the Life of Carrie Ingalls – Keystone, SD – July 26-28, 2024 (Scroll down to the reunion section to see more)
Hours
The museum will be opening in May 2024 with the following hours:
Monday-Friday: 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm
Sunday: Closed
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum – West Branch IA
They do a special Laura program every year in September with a speaker. Sadly they missed doing one in 2023. No word on date, time, or format for this year’s.
Pomona Public Library – Pomona CA
No Laura’s birthday Gingerbread Sociable will be held again this year. It may return next year.
Old World Wisconsin – Eagle WI
Old World Wisconsin is returning to Laura Ingalls Wilder events in a different way. They are offering camps. Search their events page for Laura Ingalls Wilder to pull up more information or book tickets. This year they have increased the number of times they are offering both camps.
Little House Adventure Summer Camp – One day adventure camps for kids held 5 different times. Registration is a separate fee. Kids ages 8-10.
Thursday, June 27, 2024, 10 am – 3 pm
Thursday, July 18, 2024, 10 am – 3 pm
Thursday, July 25, 2024, 10 am – 3 pm
Thursday, August 1, 2024, 10 am – 3 pm
Thursday, August 8, 2024, 10 am – 3 pm
Little House Family Adventure Summer Camp – One day camp for kids and adults to go together. It doesn’t say so, but I think they expect you to bring a kid if you’re an adult.
Sunday, July 21, 2024, 10 m. – 3 pm
Sunday, August 4, 2024, 10 am – 3 pm
Nelson Pioneer Farm – Oskaloosa, Iowa
They got a new director and haven’t set dates for this year’s events yet.
Laura Days– July 11 – July 28, 2023 Three different series of craft activities will be offered every Tuesday-Friday throughout July. This is not a day camp. The goal of this program is for the adults and children to do the activities together. Adults must remain with their children. Most activities are designed for children ages 6-10. Any special notation regarding ages or skill levels are listed with the activities. Or a modification will be available. Younger siblings are welcome to join in to the best of their ability! Each day we’ll feature a building or exhibit before heading to the craft barn to make the craft.
Colt on Ingalls Homestead
The Newberry
This information is from 2023, but Sardella-Ayres is planning on holding an online version of the class this fall. It has not been formally adopted yet and there is no dates or times.
Online Class, Tuition Required, Number of students capped This class explores Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series in-depth, from multiple angles, including their settings, authorship and publication, adaptations, translations, and continued legacy. How does the series present American history and American girlhood? What do the books reveal about society, ideology, and America in their historical time? Taught by a dedicated Wilder scholar, this class will examine chronologically Wilder’s eight-book series, as well as the works of Wilder’s daughter, the author and political theorist Rose Wilder Lane. The instructor is Dawn Sardella-Ayres received her PhD from the University of Cambridge in 2016, and is the current L.M. Montgomery Institute Research Associate for 2022-2023. She specializes in girls’ literature and the girls’ Bildungsroman, and has published on Alcott, Montgomery, Johnston, and Wilder. Information Page
Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival – Marshfield, Missouri
2024 CBF Ticket Information -These are only the Little House related events (plus Lesley Ann Warren’s Cinderella because that is awesomesauce – best live action Cinderella ever!) This is the ticketed events list. Non-ticket events haven’t been published yet.
*All Cherry Blossom Festival tickets will go on sale on Presidents Day at 8 AM (CST). This is a list of the ticketed festival events ONLY. A full schedule will be released later as it is finalized.
Click on the following link if you would like to view every ticketed event:
2:30 PM (Marshfield Community Center, 110 Commercial Street): The annual Cherry Blossom Tea; Lesley Ann Warren (Cinderella, Rogers & Hammerstein’s 1965) will be the keynote tea speaker and the tea will be “Cinderella” themed. Admission will be $12 per person and can be ordered online at or by calling 808-345-4975. Hats are highly encouraged for this festival event. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/844108490217?aff=oddtdtcreator
Friday, April 26:
8 AM (Marshfield Assembly of God, 1538 W. Washington): Laura Ingalls Wilder Breakfast- The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum hosts, “Nellie’s Breakfast”-benefiting the Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival. The program will feature a panel celebrating the 50th anniversary of Little House on the Prairie. Panel participants will include:
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
David Friedman (Jason Carter)
Patrick Labyorteaux (Andy Garvey)
and other memorable cast members from the classic television show.
Cast Reunions at Non-Homesite Towns of More than 3 Cast Members
I updated the cast lists as of April 11, 2024. These are what I have found from published lists. I don’t have any insider information. Thanks to Jennifer Steffin (Toddler Rose Wilder) who sent me some list corrections. All listed actors are “scheduled to appear” and if something happens they may not come.
Summary by Nora Harmon: They will have a professional photographer that will take your photo with any of the stars. You sign up for a time and you and 3 others can get a printed 8×10 photo. Plus a free download. Each individual star is $65 each and then there are group photos too.
List updated March 7, 2024, Find a lot more information on their website
Karen Grassle (Ma Ingalls)
Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls Wilder)
Jonathan Gilbert (Willie Oleson)
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Ketty Lester (Hester-Sue Terhune)
Patrick Labyorteaux (Andy Garvey)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Brenda Turnbaugh (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Lucy Lee Flippin (Eliza Jane Wilder)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
Jennifer Steffin (Toddler Baby Rose Wilder)
Michelle Steffin (Toddler Baby Rose Wilder)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Green Bush Twins, Rachel Lindsay & Sidney Robyn (Carrie Ingalls)
Bonnie Bartlett (Grace Snider Edwards)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Linwood Boomer (Adam Kendall)
Michael Landon, Jr. (Jim, also Michael Landon’s son)
Leslie Landon (Etta Plum – last teacher on the show and Michael Landon’s daughter)
David Friedman (Jason Carter)
Stan Ivar (John Carver aka the man who got the original Little House from the show)
Brian Part (Carl Sanderson Edwards – Mr. Edwards adopted son)
Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb – from the rapist clown episode)
The Prairie Days, a 50th LHOTP Cast Anniversary Celebration at Patti’s 1880s Settlement in Grand Rivers, KY will be held April 5 – 7, 2024
Little House on the Prairie Cast Member Meet and Greet ~
Fri., April 5 – Noon-4pm, Sat., April 6th 10am-4pm, Sun., April 7th 1pm-4pm
Located in the Settlement on Ashley’s Back Porch Cost: $12 over 12, $6 under 12 Little House Murder Mystery Dinner Theater ~ Fri., April 5th 6:30pm Cost: $175, Limited to 90 Guests
VIP Breakfast ~ Sun., April 7, 8:30am Cost: $100, Limited to 90 Guests
Stage Coach tickets available on April 6-7. Tickets need to be pre-purchased.
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
David Friedman (Jason Carter)
Dan McBride (Henry Riley – Customer at Nellie’s restaurant)
Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb – the rapist clown episode)
Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival – April 25-27, 2024 (Scroll up to Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival section)
50th Anniversary Event – Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards in Pepin, WI – May 10-11, 2024, LaCrosse WI – May 12, 2024
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
Jennifer Steffin (Toddler Rose Wilder)
David Friedman (Jason Carter)
Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
& you’ll never know who else will show up!
Friday Night “Prairie Remembers” Dinner at Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyards In Pepin, WI at 6:30 pm. The dinner will feature lemon chicken, Penne Forno, etc. Night of stories of beloved cast members that have passed told by their friends & colleagues. Ticket price is $155 and includes a photo with the LHOTP cast.
Saturday VIP Breakfast will be held at 8:30 am with the LHOTP cast at the Villa Bellezza VIP Breakfast tickets are $100 each.
The Little House on the Prairie Cast Meet and Greets will be held Friday Noon- 4pm, Saturday from 10 am- 4pm. Ticket Cost Adult $12. Kids 3-12 are just $6. The cast will be available for photos, autographs and their merchandise for sale.
Other activities are being confirmed an added soon.
You’ll want to take time to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Musuem and the Little House-Wayside, the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Sunday, May 12th, LaCrosse, WI 2 special Mother’s Day cruises aboard the La Crosse Queen Riverboat. One at 1:30pm with appetizer bar and a Dinner Cruise at 5:30pm. Located at the LaCrosse Queen Riverboat, 405 Veterans Memorial in LaCrosse, WI!
50th Anniversary Event – Independence, KS – Prairie Days – A Little House on the Prairie Cast 50th Celebration on May 31-June 2, 2024
LHOTP original cast members confirmed for the 2024 Prairie Days will include:
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
David Friedman (Jason Carter)
Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
Tracy & Victor French (children of Victor French-Mr Edwards)
Green Bush Twins, Rachel Lindsay & Sidney Robyn (Carrie Ingalls)
A Friday Night Dinner will take place at the Independence Historical Museum, 123 North 8th Street Independence, KS at 6:30 pm. The dinner will feature pork chops or cinnamon chicken breast, etc. The evening will honor many cast members who are no longer with us! A very moving night of stories of beloved cast members told by their friends & colleagues. Dinner is limited to 100 people. Ticket price is $175 and includes a photo with the LHOTP cast.
Saturday VIP Breakfast will be held at 8:30 am with the LHOTP cast, again at the Independence Historical Museum. VIP Breakfast tickets are limited to 100 guests and are $100 each. This will also sell out quickly.
The Little House on the Prairie Meet and Greets will be held Friday noon- 4pm, Saturday from 10 am- 4pm & again on Sunday noon-4pm. Ticket Cost Adult $12. Kids 3-12 $6. The cast will be available for photos, autographs and merchandise for sale. It will be held at the Little House on the Prairie Museum, 2507 County Road 3000 in Independence, KS.
Other activities are being confirmed an added soon.
For information email: gravelroadmarket@gmail.com.
Festival of Television of Monte Carlo, Monaco – June 14-18, 2024
This annual television festival celebrates TV shows from all over the world. If you are a soap person this is the event The Bold and the Beautiful attends most years and tries to slip in some footage that will appear as part of an episode or two while they are there. Find out more about their appearence.
Melissa Sue Anderson (Mary Ingalls)
Matthew Labyorteaux (Albert Ingalls)
Alison Arngrim (Nasty Nellie)
Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls)
Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
Leslie Landon Matthews (Miss Eva Plum aka Michael Landon’s daughter)
Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls)
50th Anniversary Event – Walnut Grove, MN – July 19-21, 2024 (Scroll up to Walnut Grove section for more information)
This is not one of the repeating productions and so will be done differently. This is Paul Valenti’s report on Facebook in January: “You DO NOT need an advance ticket to attend the reunion events being held within Walnut Grove. Autograph/Meet & Greet tickets will be available when you arrive in Walnut Grove. It is also not expected that tickets for the evening pageants will sell out, there is always more room “on the hill” for that particular event. I DO expect that there will be at least a brunch and a dinner event held that weekend for which you WILL need an advance ticket. So all that the fans should concern themselves with right now, in regards to the Walnut Grove Reunion, is finding lodging and transportation, everything else will be announced in plenty of time for those of you who are looking to participate in the various events taking place that weekend.”
That is good advice, except I would pre-buy the pageant tickets as soon as possible to get good seats. Some people prefer to sit on a blanket on the hill though so it’s up to you. The pageant will be the play put on by the townspeople every year and a pre- pageant Q and A session with the TV show cast. You do not have to pre-buy a ticket to the Autograph/Meet & Greet sessions. I expect that they will also have a photo with the cast on Sunday, but that’s based on their previous events, not anything I know from this year. This is my playlist of videos from when I attended their event in 2014. I’ve got it cued up to video 3 which is when I made it to Walnut Grove.
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Patrick Labyorteaux (Andy Garvey)
Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
David Friedman (Jason Carter)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
50th Anniversary Event – Carrie Days: A Celebration of the Life of Carrie Ingalls – Keystone, SD – July 26-28, 2024
Have you ever wanted to “Picture Yourself on the Prairie?” You’ll get the chance to get your picture taken in front of 12 painted canvases of the Oleson Mercantile, the Little House and so much more. You’ll feel like you are on the sets in Walnut Grove! It will be held at Keystone Community Center and Library, 1101 Madill Street Keystone, SD 57751.
Friday, July 26 – Cast Meet and Greet 12pm-4pm ($12 adult, $6 child)
Saturday, July 27th – Cast Meet and Greet 10am-4pm ($12 adult, $6 child)
– 7pm Dinner, ($150)
Sunday, July 28th – Breakfast with Cast 8:30am ($100)
– Cast Meet and Greet 12pm-4pm ($12 adult, $6 child)
All Inclusive Ticket ($350)
Little House on the Prairie original cast members confirmed for the 2024 Carrie Days will include:
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
Jennifer Steffin (Toddler Rose Wilder)
Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
Victor & Tracy French (Children of Victor French-Mr. Edwards).
50th Anniversary Cast Reunion – Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT – August 30-31 & September 1, 2024; three big days of a LHOTP 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion. (This event was originally scheduled to take place in Torrington, CT and has been moved to a new larger location. There have been other changes in addition to the location. All tickets already purchased will be honored at the new location.)
This event will help raise funds & awareness for a local not for profit Kids Play Childrens Museum, located in downtown Torrington, CT.
Little House on the Prairie original cast members scheduled to appear will include:
Susan McCray (casting director for LHOTP)
Todd Bridges (Solomon Henry)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Melissa “Missy” Francis (Casandra Ingalls)
Alison Arngrim (Nasty Nellie)
Allison Balson (Nancy Olsen)
Lucy Lee Flippin (Eliza Jane Wilder)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Stan Ivar (John Carter)
David Friedman (Jason Carter)
Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
Jennifer Steffin (Toddler Rose Wilder)
Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
Matthew Labyorteaux (Albert Ingalls)
Gil Gerard (Chris Nelson)
Tony Becker (Zeke)
Brain Part (Carl Sanderson)
Victor and Tracy French (Victor French’s Children)
Josh Landon (son on Michael Landon)
Saturday Night – The Prairie Remembers Dinner will take place at the Connecticut Convention Center at 6:30 pm. The dinner will feature a delicious catered meal. The evening will pay tribute to amazing actors & cast members that are no longer with us. Cast members will share their stories of these amazing actors that are gone way too soon. Ticket price is $195.
Sunday – Little House on the Prairie Cast Breakfast will be held at 8:30 am with the LHOTP cast. Breakfast tickets are $100 each.
The LHOTP on the Prairie cast meet and greets be Friday 12pm – 4pm and Saturday & Sunday 10 am- 4 pm. Ticket Cost is just $20. The cast will be available for photos, autographs and will have a huge variety of their merchandise for sale. It will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center. Such a fantastic setting!
Other activities are being confirmed an added soon. More activities including an old fashioned marionette puppet show, MORE exhibits & displays, even MORE cast & guest stars & Little House on the Prairie: The Musical.
The following cast members were originally listed. No word if they were accidentally left off in the transfer or if they are no longer coming.
Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
Leslie Landon Matthews (Miss Eva Plum aka Michael Landon’s daughter)
Sherri Stoner (Rachel Brown Oleson, wife of Willie Oleson in the 9th season)
Little House 50th Anniversary – Farm and Home Center – Lancaster, PA – September 3-4, 2024
Tuesday, September 3rd – Sold Out
Bright Sides Opportunity Center, 515 Hershey Ave, Lancaster, PA, 17603
Wednesday, September 4th
Cast Meet and Greet, 10am-5pm ($15)
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, 7pm ($150)
LHOTP original cast members scheduled to appear will include:
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Alison Arngrim (Nasty Nellie)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
Jennifer Steffin (Young Rose Wilder)
Victor & Tracy French (Victor French’s Children)
Lucy Lee Flippin (Eliza Jane Wilder).
You never know who else will show up!
The Little House on the Prairie Cast Meet and Greet will be held Wednesday from10 am- 5 pm ($15). The cast will be available for photos, autographs and will have a huge variety of their merchandise for sale. It will be held at the Bright Side Opportunities Center in beautiful Lancaster, PA!
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, 7pm ($150) – Dinner with the cast will take place at the Bright Side Opportunities Center at 7 pm. The dinner will feature a delicious catered meal. The evening with feature Cast members sharing their stories of their time working on this iconic TV show. And it’s a Murder Mystery! Who did it? ($150)
A VIP all access package will include: one ticket to the Wednesday LHOTP Murder Mystery Cast Dinner sitting directly at the table with cast member, access to the cast Meet & Greet, and a great souvenir swag bag! VIP Package is limited to 50 lucky VIP guests. Cost is $225. A once in a lifetime experience!
It all happens in Lancaster, PA on Wednesday September 4, 2024.
Johnny Cash’s Hideaway Farm – Lyle, TN – September 14-15, 2024 Two BIG days of fun on Johnny Cash’s Farm, as we celebrate 50 Years of Little House on the Prairie! Remember the Little House on the Prairie episode called “The Collection” guest-starring Johnny and June Carter Cash? “Nellie” confided to us that she was jealous she didn’t get to be in this episode because she wanted so much to meet them. “Mary Ingalls” said Johnny and June impressed her the most over any other guest stars on Little House! So – we took Mary Ingalls at her word, and decided to just make Nellie’s dreams come true by taking her to Johnny Cash’s farm in Lyles, Tennessee for one of our Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion Fan Events – and YOU’RE INVITED to join us too!!
You’ll even get a chance to see a recreation of the outfits worn by Johnny & June from the Collection Episode, being created specially for this event by Laura Ingalls Gunn. She will have on display other costumes featured on the show! AND get this! You’ll get to see the original Bible used on the LHOTP set by Dabs Greer. Loads of surprises are in store.
The Little House on the Prairie Cast Meet and Greet – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm ($25)
“Prairie Remembers” Dinner Original cast members honor the actors who are longer with us with their memories from the prairie, including June Carter and Johnny Cash. – Saturday, 7pm ($175)
Breakfast with the Cast – Sunday, 8am ($100)
Walnut Grove Style Church Service – Sunday, 10am. Hosted by Wendi Lou Lee and Charlotte Stewart
50th Anniversary – Christmas & Little House on the Prairie – Branson, MO – November 15-17, 2024
Branson Convention Center in Branson, MO on November 15-17, 2024 The cast plus all the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas! This will be Gravel Road Market’s largest gathering yet. It will be held at the Branson Convention Center which adjoins The Hilton Hotel! Plus a HUGE amount of the Little House cast, guest stars & crew! The event will also feature over 100 vendors at the Prairie Village Christmas Vendor Market, featuring handmade crafts, antiques/vintage, boutiques, gourmet foods and so much more!
There’s even going be a Puppets on the Prairie, old fashioned marionettes puppet show. So much to do, so much to see. AND it’s in Branson, MO!
Three HUGE days of fun, as we celebrate 50 Years of Little House on the Prairie!
Saturday Night – “The Prairie Remembers Dinner” will take place at the Branson Convention Center at 7:00 pm. The dinner will feature a delicious catered meal in the beautiful Ballroom. The evening will pay tribute to amazing actors & cast members that are no longer with us. We will even have live music. You never know who will show up. Cast members will share their stories of these amazing actors that are gone way too soon. Ticket price is $195.
Sunday – Little House on the PrairieCast Breakfast will be held at 8:30 am with the LHOTP cast. Breakfast tickets are $100 each.
The Little House on the Prairie cast meet and greet ticket includes:
Friday Night 4 pm -8 pm
Saturday & Sunday will be held from 10 am- 4 pm.
Ticket Cost is just $25
The cast will be available for photos, autographs and will have a huge variety of their merchandise for sale. It will be held at the Branson Convention Center.
A VIP 3-Day all access package will include:
one ticket to the Saturday Prairie Remembers Dinner
one ticket to the Sunday Cast Breakfast
3 days VIP access to the cast Meet & Greets,
a special invite to the private (invitation only) Friday Night gathering
a great souvenir swag bag! VIP Package is limited!
Cost is $600
Cast members scheduled to appear:
Matthew Labyorteaux (Albert Ingalls)
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Jennifer Steffin (Young Rose Wilder)
Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
David Friedman (Jason Carter)
Tracy & Victor French (children of Victor French-Mr Edwards)
Peter Billingsley (Gideon Hale)
Jimmy McNichol (Harry Baker)
Rick Hurst (Jacob Johnson)
Martha Wade Nix (Dual Roles, Holly & Amy)
Rachel Longaker (Ginny Clark)
Sherri Stoner (Rachel Brown Oleson)
Tony Becker (Zeke)
Other activities are being confirmed and added soon.
St. Redlands, California
Weekends August 24 – September 29, 2024
Performances: Friday – 7:00pm; Saturday – 2:00pm and 7:00pm; Sunday – 2:00pm
Special Weekday performances on September 26 at 7:00pm
Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association
You have to be a member to sign up for these online events.
LIWLRA online all day conference – Feb. 10, 2024
Locations That No Longer Hold Events
American Printing House for the Blind – Louisville, Kentucky
Genesee Country Village and Museum – Mumford, NY
Heritage Hill – Green Bay WI
National Cowgirl Museum – Fort Worth, Texas
Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.
May the Fourth be with you! (And also with you. – Am I the only one who always wants to respond that way?) Every year on Star Wars Day I share a special post. Being a pun and me loving some things Star Wars I feel compelled to recognize it every year.
The Words
This year I’m leaning into the librarian and scholar part of being part of the fandom. For Star Wars Day I offer a quiz of Star Wars related terms.
Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.
Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.
Now that begs the question what are you talking about as THE real fiddle? There are a couple of fiddles that might be considered the real fiddle. The two most important are the fiddle that Michael Landon “played” on the Little House TV show and the real fiddle played by the real Charles Ingalls.
Will the Real Charles Ingalls Please Play the Fiddle?
Fiddler Dave Wilson Holds Pa’s Fiddle
The real fiddle that the real Charles Ingalls played is in the museum in Mansfield, Missouri. According to the story “Grandpa’s Fiddle,” Pa told Laura she was to have it after he passed when they left De Smet, South Dakota for Mansfield, Missouri. As the sisters were trying to deal with the stuff Ma and Mary had left behind when they passed they decided to donate Pa’s fiddle to the South Dakota Historical Society with the condition it be displayed prominently and played at least four times a year every year – it wasn’t. (See Note) When the Laura Ingalls Wilder and Rose Wilder Lane Home and Museum was established in Mansfield after everyone in the immediate Ingalls family passed Rose asked to borrow the fiddle for the Mansfield museum Rose was then supporting. SDHS didn’t value it so they let her have it and that was that.
Today it’s on display in the relatively new museum on Rocky Ridge Farm in Mansfield, Missouri. You can see the fiddle any day you visit in a case. During Wilder Days is the one set day for the fiddle to be played. You may come across them playing it.
As Seen on TV!
The TV Show Fiddle
The real fiddle that Michael Landon pretended to play on the TV show is in the museum in Walnut Grove, Minnesota. Melissa Gilbert did have it and you might still find video of interviews or news stories where she talks about having them, especially the red dress that she had framed on her wall. When Gilbert moved to New York she and her current husband actor Timothy Busfield held an action. They said they needed the money and they not only sold things that were mementos from both of their careers, but also anything not nailed down in their Michigan home they weren’t taking to New York.
Gilbert sold 3 things she had from Little House on the Prairie:
Pa’s fiddle
Her little red dress costume
A costume of Mr. Edwards.
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove was able to buy the fiddle (which is good that’s where it belongs) and Mr. Edward’s costume and they’re now on display. They also got a giant signed photo of the cast and they now sell copies of that in the museum gift shop.
Michael Landon couldn’t actually play the fiddle. The music was added afterward as a sound effect. It’s just an ordinary run of the mill fiddle. Most musicians say it’s painfully obvious that Landon isn’t playing that he doesn’t even fake it very well, but he convinced a lot of people. Seeing the TV real fiddle means a lot to people.
The last thing in the auction was the little red dress that was Gilbert’s costume on the show. The bid went way high at the auction and the museum couldn’t afford it. A fan bought the red dress and is known as Scary Closet on Instagram. It is now in their private collection. They’ve posted photos that they’d brought it to one signing event. They were hoping to get to Simi Valley. They didn’t make it, but I imagine you’ll see them at some future events.
Is It THE Fiddle?
One of the biggest Little House on the Prairie events of the 50th Anniversary year in 2024 was at Simi Valley, California where they actually did the major exterior filming for the show. Another part of the event were recreations of the sets as sets. In the Little House set they had A fiddle. There were a lot of questions asked in Little House on the Prairie groups after the Simi Valley reunion event in 2024. One that came up several times was “was that really THE fiddle on the Little House set rebuild?” No, it wasn’t.
Fiddle from Simi Valley Set Recreation – Permission to use from Traci Antorietto
Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.
Watching a Truck from the Trolley During the Reunion
It’s a Long Distance
This is a quote I just found in an article. It’s talking about the current condition of using AI and the likelihood of what it will be useful for in the near future. I was incredibly taken with the quote below. It’s true about any new technology. It especially makes me think of Thomas Edison and the first practical lightbulb. He invented a light that would work, but then had to invent all the infrastructure to get the light to work in everybody’s home. It took so long that people began to think he’d lied. Today looking back and also think we had light as soon as the practical lightbulb was invented, but that’s not how this works, that’s not how any of this works.
But, let’s not forget that there is a huge gap between writing funny instructions for removing food from home electronics and doing scientific research. In other words, there’s a big difference between being cool and being a tool.
The difference between the two constructors being something cool is a toy, showing off, an experiment where a tool is something that is useful and practical and can be put to work. It’s an important difference to bare in mind.
Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.
Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford museum is an incredible site for social history. I just love it and even though I’ve only made it once, I hope to go back again. I’ve always been sorry it doesn’t get as much press as Colonial Williamsburg, but as time goes on from when I was a kid you don’t hear nearly as much about Colonial Williamsburg either. (2026 will be the 250th anniversary of 1776 come on people, we were much readier than this for the 200th.)
Henry Ford put together a collection of famous homes and businesses connected with famous people. Mostly people associated with the Midwest and the 19th century, but some other pieces of history from farther afield. I was thinking about it the other day and I thought, “hey, I’d like to see a trip video like people do for Disney for the Henry Ford. I wonder if anyone has done that?” Turns out they have. In fact I’ve watched Randomland for Disney related content before so I was glad when a search brought up a video from a trip he took there. It’s 37 minutes and still only the highlights, but it will give you the basic idea.
Either he didn’t do as much prep for this trip or I don’t know enough about the other places he visits to catch things he misses because he definitely missed stuff here.
That Bubble Top car? That was the car Kennedy was shot it though he mentioned it was Kennedy’s car briefly in passing this is THE car from the assassination.
Did Ford ask for the Presidential Limos back? Yes, that was one of Henry Ford’s plans. The Ford Motor Company provided the White House with cars for free on the condition that they come back to the company to be displayed in Ford’s museum. Ford’s ideas were either brilliant or kind of evil. This was definitely one of the brilliant ones. They only have them up as far as Reagan’s car. After that the secret service didn’t want them on display so the public could see the security features. I saw the thickness of the windows in Reagan’s car and some of the secret hand hold stuff, pretty impressive.
That Wright Model Flyer diorama? That’s a real life size recreation of the famous first flight photograph of the Wright brothers. It was not only famous it was on display right there by it.
The Thomas Edison complex? It wasn’t just built from some remnants. They moved not only buildings, but train car loads of dirt from where they originally stood to make sure they were also standing on the same ground as Edison used them. During Edison’s first tour of the completed recreation he got tired and needed to sit down. They brought him a chair and afterwards Ford had it nailed to the floor what a great story is that?
I also think he missed some major themes that reflected what Ford’s plan was for the village. He was telling a sweeping story starting with his own family and the Firestones and go on from there. (The Firestone company was owned by his in-laws and exclusively provided the tires for Ford cars until a series of blow-outs caused extreme liabilities on Firestone so Ford cut them loose in 2001 ending an almost century long partnership.) It includes where Ford first worked on technology, the lunch wagon he ate at, the original Ford Motor Company (recreation), and the chance to ride a real Model T around the grounds.
Another thread was the story of technology with a heavy emphasis on Thomas Edison and the Wright Brothers and the agricultural leader Luther Burbank. He also had a thread on the arts including Robert Frost and Noah Webster. Then there are things that are majorly historic like the Abraham Lincoln things including one of the courthouses were Lincoln practiced law. Then the focus on everyday things like McGuffey’s one-room school.
He did mention the Disney connection, but he didn’t explain how similar the layout of both sites are including the steamboat that used to (and sadly doesn’t anymore) drive around a loop river. They really drove theirs though. We got a double ride because our captain was just being trained and she missed the stop.
There are a couple of more connections to add. Be sure to check out the touring plan podcast episode for the Henry Ford museum. Check out this post from when I talked about the Henry Ford museum and its Laura Ingalls Wilder connection. In this post scroll down to the part about the Mold-a-Rama.
Suwanee River Boat
Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.
It’s always interesting when things you are interested in cross. I saw a movie review YouTube channel that included a bit with the original Ghostbusters doing a stylized walk/dance through Times Square. I thought – “I never saw that.” I looked it up and apparently it was from the official Ray Parker, Jr. music video for the theme song. I looked it up and here it is.
For reasons I fail to understand part of it were drop in cameos of celebrities (mostly people who had connections to the leads and executive positions within the movie) doing the bust out shouts “GHOSTBUSTERS!” Unfortunately, instead of following the rhythm like anyone who knows the song would do, they just randomly say “Ghostbusters” breaking it in different places and saying it at different speeds. I mean, give them an earpiece and say the rhythm if that’s the only way they can say it correctly.
So ScreenRant that produces the video channel I watched also does a blog and they have a piece spelling out everyone who has a cameo. As I watched it I was kind of shocked because one of the cameos was Melissa Gilbert! Find it on this video about 2:20.
Melissa Gilbert Screen Capture from Ghostbusters Music Video
Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast, look at her photos, and find her on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , SlideShare, and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.
Sarah's Notebook 