When I post my video diaries I always get comments about my Laura clothes. No, not my period dresses, but my Laura Ingalls Wilder t-shirts that I wear for travel and Laura trips. I thought everyone might enjoy a closer look at them. So enjoy our monthly series where we look at a Laura shirt. Sorry I didn’t get one done for March. I actually had a really great one written and almost ready to post, but then I found out something else about the shirt (it wasn’t this one) so I ended up skipping that one and didn’t have a chance to get another one written up.
Shirt of the Month
Here’s this month’s shirt:
This time my shirt is from Mansfield, Missouri. I don’t do a lot of long-sleeve t-shirts because generally if it’s cold enough to want sleeves, it’s also cold enough to want something a heavier weight than a t-shirt.
This one is my favorite color and you can see the large illustration on the pocket area also has the site’s name and location and a whiteprint of Rocky Ridge from the side-yard. It’s really pretty.
What sold me was the reproduction of Laura’s signature down the arm. I’m not all that big on autographs, but there is something about Laura’s. It’s just so darn pretty. I couldn’t resist.
Can You Get It?
Luckily for you this is from my trip to Mansfield in September 2023 so it’s still available. It isn’t in their online store but call them at (877) 924-7126 to order. Ask for their choice of colors.
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.
Do you have drafts hanging around in your draft folder and sometimes you forget to publish them? That happened to me with this post. I looked at it and thought WOW! I’m going to have to do a lot of deleting. Well, I decided I’d rather post it as is. Some of the advice is still good and I’ll do an updated version soon, but as a sign post to things that were, here is pageant advice flashback 2019!
Pageant Travel Advice 2019
It’s pageant travel time, the time of year when you can visit all three of the current Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageants. I’ve certainly come a long way on knowing what to do on pageant trips since my very first time when my mother surprised me for my birthday with a trip to the Walnut Grove pageant for the whole family. (I didn’t know anything about it, we were supposed to be visiting western Wisconsin and then she secretly added another two days.) But she hadn’t done enough research. Other than the museum and the pageant itself we didn’t have a clue what to do. We still had a great time, but I wish I’d known what I know now, so here you have my best pageant travel advice.
Sadly I want to pause to give a moment of respect in honor of the Mary Ingalls Pageant in Vinton which I included in the previous version of this post. After two years gave up the ghost due to issues between the Regents and Iowa School for the Blind. There is a little hope it will return in future, but not a lot. (Ed. Note: Even less hope now.)
EXTRA ADVICE WALNUT GROVE CAST REUNION: Since they just released that the Walnut Grove pageant will have a big cast reunion July 11-14 2019 get your tickets for the pageant as soon as you can so you can sit near the stage. The cast attends the pageant and their Q&A is part of the pre-pageant entertainment so they attend. Last time they tried to watch the pageant the first night and were so overwhelmed with people asking them for autographs that it disrupted the performance and so they left at intermission. If they try to watch again this year, don’t be one of those people.
Make hotel reservations as early as you can. (Ed. Note: For 2023 rooms are booked for counties around with one air b&b and the Wilder Inn both closing this winter despite reservations already made for the reunion weekend.) Within Walnut Grove proper there is only camping available and it makes a big difference on how close you can stay. They made an effort early this year to try to increase the number of AirBnB rooms available, but so far it hasn’t made much of a difference either in AirBnBs or just people willing to rent a room without the paperwork. The bed and breakfast in Tracy (Wilder Inn) (when I last checked in 2015) wouldn’t make reservations until January 1st of the year the reservation was in.
Intend to park your car and leave it there if you’re going to be doing anything within the town proper during the reunion. During 2014 parking was ridiculously full be prepared park a fair distance away and to walk all over town. In 2014, people started lining up a full hour before opening time for the autograph lines so remember to start early. At at least one point the line for the group across from Fond Memories antique & craft shop went all the way through the queue and back past the funeral home way down the block. If they follow the same schedule as last time, your chance to get a photo with all the cast will be Sunday morning so if you want one be sure to include Sunday in your travel plans.
Woman in Vest is Adult Laura Narrator
Which Pageant?
Your first decision is what pageant or pageants to visit. It really isn’t a case where if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. I would recommend that any trip that you plan to include either Walnut Grove or De Smet also include the other if at all possible, but be sure to match your dates correctly. De Smet includes Sunday night performances, Walnut Grove doesn’t. To put it loosely, Walnut Grove’s pageant is more Hollywood with lots of neat special effects and a real drama, De Smet’s pageant is like eavesdropping on the Ingalls family and it rotates through telling the story of one of the books set in De Smet each year, and Mansfield’s pageant is a musical. Vinton’s Mary pageant is just getting off the ground, but gives you a nice look at what it was like for Mary to attend the College for the Blind. Check out my tips below for each specific pageant.
Fragments of a Dream aka The Walnut Grove Pageant
Check in to the night’s hotel or bed and breakfast or camp grounds before you go out to the pageant grounds (if possible) because you don’t want to be hunting for your place to stay in the dark. At the Walnut Grove pageant you want a reserved ticket. You can still buy them at the gate, but reserved seats come with a folding chair and a place close to the stage. They also offer general admission tickets, but with them it’s bring your own blanket or chair and find your own spot on the hillside. I sometimes buy a second reserved seat just to be sure of a little room (the chairs are welded together), but either way the chairs are the best option. I personally like to eat at the community center in town about a block away from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum (service groups arrange them as fundraisers and they call them pageant suppers), but there are two other restaurants in town if you prefer. On the pageant grounds itself you can get high school sports concession stand type food (hot dogs, popcorn, etc).
The best public restrooms in town are at the museum proper, so I’d go there before heading out. If lines are long there, you can also use the bathrooms at the community center where the pageant dinners are held. If you still find lines, try two blocks away from the museum at the gas station on Highway 14. It’s a little farther, but definitely within walking distance although you may want just to drive over while you have to move your car between the museum and the pageant grounds anyway. Even when the town is incredibly busy people tend to forget about them so even during the 40th Anniversary event when the town was bursting at the seams I didn’t find lines there. At the pageant grounds the bathrooms are behind the concession stand with the doors facing towards the seating area.
Be sure to get a program when you come in, but if you miss one they give out programs and sell other souvenirs at a small stand across from the concession stand. The show starts with the pageant singers who are a local singing group, but sometimes they have a celebrity speaker, etc. before the show. I’ve heard advice from local people to nip in right before the pageant proper starts, but I normally go early to take in the whole show. Once the pageant starts especially watch for the early scene with all the live animals and then watch for the house to flip around 180 degrees and for them to build the church.
From Highway 14 if you turn on the main road toward the museum heading south, take the first right (now heading west) and then the first paved left (now heading south again) out about a mile and half or so from town.The parking lots have named rows with signs with the Ingalls family names to find a place and make note of which row for when you’re coming back. Going back you can mostly follow the crowd, but watch for intersections because people peel off when you don’t want to and there are several gravel roads that feed into the paved ones so it’s easy to think the road you are on continues when actually the pavement ends and it’s gravel there on out and you should have turned instead.
I recommend pants and taking along a sweatshirt and bug spray, but the last year I went it fooled me it was so hot and I had to take the sweatshirt off again, so you don’t know. Dressing in or bringing along layers are the key. Weather can also be a bit unpredictable, but don’t worry the organizers keep an eye on any severe weather that might threaten and have a plan to deal with it.
In De Smet the pageant grounds are right outside of town on the east end of town between Highway 14 and the Ingalls Homestead. The signage is good and you should see it right away. The only reason to buy reserved seats in De Smet is if you want to pay by credit card. You can do that up at the Ingalls Homestead before gate time. Otherwise just buy tickets when you pull your car in. They have wooden benches set up, but bring a lawn chair and set it up down front. The benches are spaced to allow a row of chairs in between so you can sit your chair pretty much wherever you want, but be sure to honor any space they have blocked out down in front of the stage area.
They give you a newspaper about the pageant and do a roll call of states, so yell loud for Iowa. They have different events going on to keep you busy before the pageant. They have stand up wagon rides, a display of some kind (old farming machinery, a model of the town, twisting hay – different things on different years), and a giftshop called the What Not Shop which has some unique Laura stuff – take a look. They also give you a free ticket for the wagon ride (I usually give mine to a kid, although I do admire their on and off the wagon system so watch them load and unload). The wagon has no seats and the sides hit me about mid-thigh. When you’re on the outside it can feel like you’re going to fall off, although as far as I know they haven’t had an accident. Riding once was enough for me. Since they are shorter the sides keep the kids in fine. Look out for their stick your head through photo board and stop by the concession stand and ask if they are giving out free posters. They generally have extras, but you specifically have to ask.
Audience Volunteers Participate in Pageant
They have the same kind of concession stand food available as Walnut Grove, but again you might want to eat in town. They have a country club (good but slow service) and a Dairy Queen and a Subway. The Oxbow is a family restaurant that has been catering to Laura fans for decades and now has the best iced tea in town. The Oxbow also honors the PBS discount card if you have one. There is also a store that also serves food called Ward’s Store. They stay open later on pageant nights for the tourists. I must give a shout out though to the creative additions the pageant concession stand made lately. In 2013 they had Long Winter Snow Cones and in 2014 they offered These Happy Golden Years wedding cakes (they were Little Debbie type things, but A for effort!). Take along the same clothes, bug stuff etc. as Walnut Grove, but more bug stuff, it’s right by a slough. Also, don’t forget the lawn chairs and/or blanket.
As a side note, I drink a lot of brewed iced tea so I want to point out the best iced tea in De Smet is now at the Oxbow. Drink it there, their eat there glasses are quart jars which they will refill and their to go cups are very small, but you can drink it there and then ask for a refill in a to go cup. Sadly Subway no longer has any kind of tea and the Dairy Queen only offers fountain tea.
Mansfield Pageant
The Mansfield pageant is unique in several ways. It has the best seating with back support (no need for folding chairs here). It is a musical. Frankly, I think the songs are better than in the Little House on the Prairie: The Musical. I came out of the Mansfield pageant singing and can still do a bit of a song or two.I came out of Little House on the Prairie: the Musical being wowed by their staging which was great, but with not a single tune in my head. Staging is not the first thing you want to think of when you come to a musical.
Mansfield Pageant
Laura’s Memories tells the story of Laura’s entire life as a series of musical flashbacks. They bookend them with scenes of older Laura talking to an unidentified woman, but clearly references the only known recording of Laura’s voice. They don’t want anyone to have to learn too many pages so they swap out who plays what role a couple of times during the performance which can be a little confusing until you figure that out. The pageant grounds are located right by the high school connected with Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary with you entering through the park. Reserved seats aren’t required here either.
Their Facebook presence is a closed group that is more designed for participants than attendees.
Mary Ingalls Pageant
The pageant that is newest on the block is the Mary Ingalls Pageant which was first held last summer. It tells the familiar story with a different twist, sharing Mary’s point of view rather than Laura’s. While the beginning follows the familiar story, the middle shares what it was like to be a student at the Iowa School for the Blind. This section was constructed with help from alumni of the school to make sure it accurately reflected the experience. That was my favorite part and it ends with a reenactment of Mary’s graduation in the very place where it really happened (note that the auditorium has been expanded since then, but still). The final part picks up Mary’s life in De Smet after the school based heavily on “Grandpa’s Fiddle” by Rose Wilder Lane as published in The Little House Sampler, William T. Anderson, editor. It really gives you a better feel for this time in the Ingalls Family lives as well. I strongly recommend you visit this pageant.
The pageant is held at the Iowa School for the Blind in Vinton, Iowa. There are a couple of motels in Vinton and a much larger selection in Cedar Rapids, an easy drive away. There are plenty of restaurants in town, including a McDonalds and some nicer places as well. No food is sold at the pageant. One of the most difficult parts of the location is the lack of nearby parking. The next door parking lot is incredibly small, but several nearby businesses including the elementary school have agreed to open their lots. Volunteers are available to drive up attendees on golf carts, giving you car to door service.
Unlike the other pageants this one takes place inside so most of the things listed for take alongs don’t apply. I did however bring a pillow to sit on which I was very grateful for, but no one else in my group seemed to have any issues, so that’s totally optional. Most of the seating is unpadded auditorium style chairs and folding chairs. Be aware that there is also seating in the balcony overlooking the stage through the staircases on either side of the auditorium doors inside the door of the auditorium. Unfortunately their location close to the inside of the doors of the auditorium proper can lead to congestion at high people traffic times.
You want to get there early because most people seemed to aim for door opening and the place was full to bursting already the first night when I got there at about 6:15 pm. People also didn’t seem to move around much once they got a seat despite various activities which makes it harder for everyone to get in and out of rows even if you wanted to. Outside the doors to the auditorium is the main hallway which is abundantly large at most times, but got terribly clogged both before the play started and after it ended. Be patient and hang out in your seats or talk to other fans before trying to push through. Bathrooms are down the hall from the auditorium. If your back is to the front door entrance of the building and you are facing the doors to the auditorium, the women’s room is on the left side and the men’s room is on the right. The doors to each are around the corner were where the hall quits following the interior wall of the auditorium, makes a turn, and heads off down the wings.
Reviewing the Basics
Bring Bug Spray
Dress in Layers or Bring Jackets and Blankets or Both
I’ve decided to add a pillow to my bring alongs, maybe I’m just getting old, but these benches and chairs are getting HARD.
For Walnut Grove, make reservations for both tickets and lodging as soon as possible.
For De Smet, bring along a lawn chair and/or a blanket.
You may want to eat or go to the bathroom before you head out to the pageant grounds.
For Vinton, remember you’ll be inside, but you’ll probably be hot. There is air conditioning, but it really isn’t designed for that large a crowd. Come early and plan on mostly staying in your seat once you’ve gotten one.
Road Trips for Readers wrote a recent post about pageant travel and quoted me extensively. Read that here.
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.
Yes, it says 2023 events. There were so many that got added as the year went along I wanted to go ahead and save them as a snapshot now instead of just at the beginning of the year and watch for me to post what I have for 2024 sometime early next year. For now I’m adding them on to the end of 2023.
2023 Laura Ingalls Wilder Events Around the Country
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 April May 2023 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.
This year is bound to be an odd year for homesite events. There will still be some recovery issues and there is still likely to be rearranging of activities and some still might not be available.
CHECK BACK! for changes throughout the year. I make changes and updates on this page and not on the post as I find out more.
Or find it wherever you get your podcasts under Trundlebed Tales.
Silver Lake October 2018
Pepin WI
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s 156th birthday is Feb. 7, 2023. We will honor her birthday in Pepin with a special presentation, “Laura Ingalls Wilder: The Real Story,” with interpreter Laura Keyes, to be held Sunday, Feb. 5, at 5:00 at the Pepin School. This presentation is a collaborative project of Pepin Community Education and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society of Pepin. For more information: https://www.pepin.k12.wi.us/community/
Home at Laura’s Place – 9:00 am to 5:00pm (2nd weekend, Saturday and Sunday)
May 13-14, 2023
June 10-11, 2023
July 8-9, 2023
August 12-13, 2023
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.
Laura Days – September 9 & 10, 2023
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. This year is a fresh start, but it’s hard to say at this point what will be included.
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder) is their speaker.
Hours
Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Daily (including weekends & holidays) from May 1st thru October 28, 2023 (including Memorial Day, July 4, & Labor Day).
Last Day of Season: October 28, 2023
2024 Season Opens: May 1, 2024
Independence KS
Prairie Days has long been their main Laura event, but it’s cancelled for this year and their focus has shifted to a Carrie Ingalls Swanzey birthday party in August.
Carrie Ingalls Swanzey Birthday Party – Saturday, July 29, 2023 – 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hours
Open March 15th – November 1st, 2023 – 10:00 pm – 5:00 pm everyday.
[Opening and closing dates not confirmed.]
Walnut Grove MN
This year starts a brand new trilogy of plays in place of the Fragments of a Dream pageant. The 1st play they put on for this new series will actual be the 2nd one in the trilogy. The first in the trilogy will be closest to traditional Fragments of a Dream so they are skipping on to the 2nd one. It’s called Chasing the Dream, 1875-1876.
July 7-8, 2023
July 14-15, 2023
July 21-22, 2023
Family Festival held in Walnut Grove City Park on pageant Saturdays, July 8, 15, and 22, 2023. 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. On July 15th William T. Anderson and Cindy Wilson of Beautiful Snow will be there.
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 next year. They don’t have any information as far as date or attendees yet. If you plan on going look for where you want to stay now so you’ll be fast booking where you stay when they release dates.
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 19, 2023, Burr Oak Lutheran Church 6pm, Also on Zoom
Spaghetti Supper – Decorah Lutheran church on March 4, 2023 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 7, 2023
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 contest is open for all 8, 9, and 10 year olds. Download the picture and send to the museum by June 12, 2023. 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
Opens May 1, 2023
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 – 4:00 Last tour 3:00
Sunday: Noon – 4:00 Last tour 3:00
Memorial Day – Labor Day Monday-Saturday: 10:00 – 5:00 Last tour 4:00
Sunday: Noon – 4:00 Last tour 3:00
Post Labor Day – Mid October: Thursday-Saturday: 10:00 – 4:00 Last tour 3:00
Closed Sunday-Wednesday
Last day of the 2023 season TBD
De Smet SD
An on-going summer event will be a special exhibit of original Garth Williams artwork. When Williams’s family decided to sell out his collection De Smet set out to buy as many pieces as possible and I think got more than any of the other homesite museums. This summer in honor of the 70th anniversary of Garth Williams art being released in the standardized set they have a bunch of them on display in a special exhibit.
Heart of the Prairie
An original production, is described as featuring Laura and early De Smet history.
July 7, 8, 9, 2023
July 14, 15, 16. 2023
July 21, 22, 23
Gates Open 6 pm, Performance at 8 pm
Old Settlers Day will be Saturday, June 10, 2023.
First School event – July 15, 2023 -Prairie Life Artist, April Rusche
De Smet Event #3 (name not official)
July 22, 2023
10 am – Judy Thompson – Artist who did covers for Pioneer Girl Project
1 pm Cindy Wilson – Author of The Beautiful Snow
2 pm William Anderson
July 23, 2023
2 pm William Anderson
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 11– 13, 2023 with the wet sale on Sunday the 13th.
We don’t have dates for 2023 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.
“Badger Clark: The Cowboy Poet”- Saturday, December 9, 2023 – 5pm. This year’s performance is going to include readings of poems by Badger Clark who was a 19th century South Dakota cowboy poet. You can attend in person at the De Smet Wellness Center. Reach them at 605-854-6060. Tickets are $20.00 Previously it was broadcast live on Facebook, also, but no confirmation of that yet.
Memorial Society
January-April: Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Call ahead for tour times
May: Monday-Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
School field trips typically visit in the mornings. Please call ahead to confirm tours.
June-August: Monday-Saturday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 5:30 pm
Labor Day Hours: Monday, September 4, 2023 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
September: Monday-Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tours at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm*
October-December: Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Call ahead for tour times.
Ingalls Homestead
Of all the homesite museums the Ingalls Homestead does the best at putting out updates for the entire area around De Smet.
Spring: May 1- 25, 2023 Monday – Friday – Hours vary daily as we host school field trips. We do not keep regular hours, but we can still host visitors. Please contact us for availability. 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. Saturday & Sunday – We are closed on weekends prior to Memorial Day.
Summer: May 27 – September 4, 2023
Open 9 am – 7 pm, Activities from 10 am – 6 pm – The first covered wagon ride leaves at 10 am and the final covered wagon ride leaves at 6 pm, with rides and activities throughout the day. We are open every day including Sundays, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
Autumn: September 5 – September 30, 2023
Open 9 am – 5 pm; Activities offered from 11 am – 2 pm, Saturday Activities offered from 11 am – 4 pm
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, 2023 Daily 9 am – 5 pm, weather permitting
No activities offered, but the grounds, visitors center, and gift shop are open.
Spring Valley MN
Spring Cleaning May 6, 2023
Ice Cream Social June 17, 2023 at 5pm
Eliza JaneOne Room School Days End of July (TBD)
Ag Days (formerly Wilder Fest) August 18-20, 2023
Winter Fundraiser December 5, 2023
Hours
Open between Memorial Day Weekend thru the end of August. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily. 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.
Mother’s Day – Friday, May, 12th
Come to Rocky Ridge Farm for a special Mother’s Day activity. After enjoying the trails and the tours, visit the patio next to the main building and create a beautiful flower arrangement to take home using pipe cleaners! Parents are encouraged to participate.
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 24-28, 2023 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.
Wilder Days and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Fiddle Off – September 22-23, 2023
Annual celebration commemorating Laura Ingalls Wilder, America’s favorite pioneer girl, and her cherished Little House books. We will be having our 8th Annual Fiddle Contest on Wilder Day. It will be a great day to enjoy fiddle music on the property as well as to hear Pa’s Fiddle played.
Please come out and enjoy the festivities. Visit our Facebook page for more info.
Fundraising Dinner – TBA The 6th Annual, “Wilder Dinner.” Patrick Labyorteaux, who played Andy Garvey on the NBC TV series, will be the special guest. The date has not been announced, but is normally on the Friday of Wilder days which is September 22nd.
Jean C. Coday Day at Rocky Ridge Farm – November 4, 2023
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 9, 2023- 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, 2023
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
Friday, January 27, 2023 at 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm CST 2023 Annual Meeting- public invited
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, 2023
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 27 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
Carrie Ingalls Swanzey’s Birthday Party – Friday July 29 – Saturday July 30th for a small event with activities, music, and birthday cake.
Hours
Monday-Friday 10am – 4pm
Saturday 10am – 2pm
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum – West Branch IA
They do a special Laura program every year in September with a speaker. No word on date, time, or format for this year’s.
American Printing House for the Blind – Louisville, Kentucky
The American Printing House for the Blind has canceled all events this year because of a remodel. It’s not supposed to be finished until 2023.
Pomona Public Library – Pomona CA
No Laura’s birthday Gingerbread Sociable will be held again this year. It may return next year, but they won’t know until the end of 2023.
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.
Little House Adventure Summer Camp – One day adventure camps for kids held 3 different times. Registration is a separate fee. Kids ages 8-10.
Thursday, July 6, 2023| 10 am – 3 pm
Thursday, July 20, 2023 | 10 am – 3 pm
Thursday, August 10, 2023 | 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 30, 2023| 10 am – 3 pm
Heritage Hill – Green Bay WI
They are not doing a Laura Ingalls Wilder event this year. Previously they said their plan was to have a Laura event every other year going forward. This would be the year and they don’t have one scheduled. When last heard from they were considering a prairie days event, but that was a couple of years ago.
Genesee Country Village and Museum – Mumford, NY
The seem to have given up on Wilder Weekend, at least for now. They do have various events that would be of interest to Laura fans a couple of times a month. Check their schedule.
Nelson Pioneer Farm – Oskaloosa, Iowa
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
National Cowgirl Museum – Fort Worth, Texas
The National Cowgirl Museum previously had held an annual event, but stopped having it. They brought it back for the 150th as a one shot. This year they don’t seem to have any events scheduled so far.
Project Archeology
July 14-15, 2023
Blue Earth, MN
Project Archeology teaches classes for teachers. You have to register before hand, but can get both Continuing Education (MN) and college credit. This class must be pre-registered for and costs $129 for Continuing Education credit and $152 for College Credit. There are only 16 spaces available. As you can see in the agenda the focus is on more general 19th century Midwest farm archeology. Website for Class Agenda for Class
The Newberry
Saturdays, Oct 07–Nov 11, 2023 – 1:00pm–3:00pm
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
South Dakota Historical Society Press Event
June 15, 2023 7:00 p.m. CT
The third volume in the Pioneer Girl Project series, Pioneer Girl: The Path into Fiction follows Wilder as she steps away from autobiography and into the world of fiction. The story began in Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography (2014), edited by Pamela Smith Hill, which made the original text of Wilder’s 1930 autobiography available to readers for the first time. But that was only the start of Wilder’s journey as an American novelist. Wilder next handed her text over to her daughter, novelist and journalist Rose Wilder Lane, for editing. The second volume in the series, Pioneer Girl: The Revised Texts (2021), edited by Nancy Tystad Koupal and other Pioneer Girl Project editors, presented Lane’s three revisions of the Pioneer Girl manuscript, allowing readers to explore the working relationship between Lane and Wilder. https://www.sdhsf.org/events/event-form/june-15-2023-history-talks-presentation-registration/84694/tickets
June 22, 2023 1:00pm MDT – Spearfish SD
Author Signing and Book Release Event for Pioneer Girl: From Fact to Fiction
High Plains Western Heritage Center – Spearfish SD
Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival – Marshfield, Missouri
Little House events
April 27, 2023
9 AM – 5 PM – Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, MO presents a traveling exhibit on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder- Webster County Library (Free Admission)
9 AM- Judy Wampler will speak about “Laura Ingalls Wilder from Wisconsin to Missouri” using her quilt collection and her book- Marshfield Assembly of God
11 AM- Cindy Wilson (author) will speak about her book, “The Beautiful Snow: The Ingalls Family, the Railroads, and the Hard Winter of 1880-81”- Book signing will follow the presentation in the church foyer- Marshfield Assembly of God
4:35 PM- “Legends of Television and Screen” Panel featuring actors and actresses from several classic television shows and cinema classics- Lauren Chapin (Kitten, Father Knows Best), Gayla Peevey (Singer, I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas), Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace, Little House on the Prairie), Kim Lankford (Knots Landing), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson, Little House on the Prairie), Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu, It’s a Wonderful Life) and others- Marshfield Assembly of God
April 28, 2023
8 AM- Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum hosts, “Nellie’s Breakfast”-Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson, Little House on the Prairie) will interview Hersha Parady (Alice Garvey, Little House on the Prairie)- Benefiting the Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival- Sponsored by Federal Protection – Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall- Tickets are $25 per person, 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival Events | Eventbrite or call 808-345-4975.
9 AM – 5 PM- Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, MO presents a traveling exhibit on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder- Webster County Library (Free Admission)
2 PM- Annual Missouri Walk of Fame Ceremony- Honoring six famous Missourians with stars on the historic Walk of Fame. Honorees include: Hersha Parady (Actress, Little House on the Prairie), Ken Osmond (Actor), Pamela Baird (Actress), May Kennedy McCord (Folklorist), David Harrison (Author) and Moore & Moore (Entertainers). The Blue Jay Singers will perform as well- Marshfield Assembly of God
Cast Reunions at Non-Homesite Towns of More than 3 Cast Members
Macon, MO The Northeast Missouri Spring Pickers Market
April 1, 2023 10 am – 5 pm
April 2, 2023 10 am – 4 pm
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Hersha Parady (Alice Garvey)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Patrick Labyorteaux (Andrew Garvey)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Bloomsfield, IA
Midwest Antique Fest and Flea Market
May 12, 2023 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
May 13, 2023 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Patrick Labyorteaux (Andrew Garvey)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Hannibal, MO
Special LHOTP Mother’s Day Riverboat Dinner Cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat
May 14, 2023 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
And maybe a surprise guest or 2! (I have no idea who, just reporting on what the website says.)
Grand Rivers, KY
Join the Little House on the Prairie cast members as we head to Patti’s 1880s Settlement on August 25-26 in Grand Rivers, KY! The weekend as a whole features several different dinners, breakfasts, book signings, and even a church service. Of special note is “The Prairie Remembers Encore Dinner at 6:30pm, inside the Saloon…The dinner will honor many of the LHOTP cast members that have passed away.” The actual schedule seems to be in a lot of flux and events are selling out fairly quickly. They have links to purchase tickets, but no summary page. My best advice is to check out Jack Bishop’s Facebook page where he is posting most of the information as he gets it.
August 25 and 26, 2023
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
David Friedman (Jason Carter)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
Mayfield, KY (Faces at the Window)
Cartwright Grove in Mayfield, KY, located at the Mayfield-Graves County Fairgrounds. “The Prairie Remembers” Encore Dinner at 6:30pm, inside the Saloon.
Sunday (August 27th) start out at Cartwright Grove with an old fashioned “Walnut Grove” free church service at 8:00 am held at the little church in Cartwright Grove. This will be hosted by Wendi Lou Lee and Miss Charlotte Stewart! The Cast (Sunday, August 27th) Meet & Greet will happen from 9 am until 1pm at Cartwright Grove. Those tickets are available now. AND we will have authentic stagecoach rides from 10-1 at Cartwright Grove on Sunday. (Some of this verbage was borrowed from Alison’s newsletter.)
Nashville, TN
Little House on the Prairie Riverboat Dinner Cruise will be aboard the General Jackson Showboat on Sunday, August 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee for a 3 hour dinner cruise event!
August 27, 2023
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
and you never know who else will join us!The night will feature an amazing TN BBQ buffet dinner, live entertainment, a special live auction and a Q & A by the LHOTP cast members. Cost is $165 for adults and $130 for children 12 & under. Here’s the ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/648228237107
Orlando, FL
Fanboy Expo Orlando Convention
September 1-3, 2023
Get Tickets, Fan Packages, Photo Ops and Autographs www.fanboyexpo.com/orlando
Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls)
Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
The Pioneer Woman Mercantile Event Center in Pawhuska, OK
Here is the ticket link to the Saturday Night, Little House Murder Mystery Dinner on September 23, 2023
Only 100 tickets will be sold for the Little House Murder Mystery! This premiere evening event also features a professional photo with you and the cast members.
LHOTP Christmas-Prairie Style Mountain Home, Arkansas
November 18-19, 2023
Tickets on Event Bright
Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
Corsicana, Texas
“Have Yourself a Prairie Christmas”
December 2-3, 2023
Saturday/Sunday meet and greet held at the Pioneer Village and a Sunday VIP breakfast & special Christmas on the Prairie Dinner with the cast on Saturday night at the Corsicana Opry.
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
The Gene Autry Museum
Little House on the Prairie: A Celebration! – Saturday, May 13, 2023, 1:00pm
According to the latest Nellie Newsletter it’s on May 12, 2023, but the Autry finally posted the event and they say the 13th. Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder) will join with Little House cast & crew to gratefully honor Michael Landon and Little House producer Kent McCray at the Autry Museum of the American West in Burbank, CA. https://theautry.org/events/live-performances/little-house-prairie-celebration
Camelot Theatre Company
205 Spalding Drive
Griffin, GA 30223
Phone: (678) 469-2913
E-mail: brad@camelottheatre.com
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.
Sunday, February 5, 2023 – William Anderson Q&A
Sunday, March 12 2023 – 1 pm – Nancy McCabe & Beth Nolan Connors on comparing “Little House” and Little Women
Sunday, April 23, 2023 – 3 pm Eastern | 2 pm Central (US) – Homesite Preview, with representatives from the Little House homesites
Saturday, May 20, 2023 – Coyote Shook as our speaker, with a presentation titled: “Mary Goes to College”: Blindness, Home Economics and Rural Futurism in the World of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Coyote’s paper will borrow from critical disability studies and the histories of home economics & agriculture science to discuss the narratives of Laura Ingalls Wilder though a new lens.
Sunday, June 11, 2023 – 2 pm Eastern | 1 pm Central – A Virtual Dime Sociable – in other words a whole hour of member discussion in place of an invited speaker. We’re calling it ‘A Rose in June’ because our theme will be the fascinating topic of Rose Wilder Lane. This event will be for members only.
Sunday, September 24, 2023 – 1pm CDT – “Schooltime Begins Again” – themed member discussion of schooling and education in the world of Little House
Sunday, October 22, 2023 – 1 pm CDT – Sarah Uthoff – Historic Foodways and Laura Ingalls Wilder.
2024
LIWLRA online all day conference – Feb. 10, 2024
50th Anniversary of TV Show and Cast Reunion – Simi Valley, CA – March 22-24, 2024
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
Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival – April 25-27, 2024
50th Anniversary Event – Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards in Pepin, WI – May 10-11, 2024, LaCrosse WI – May 12, 2024
Karen Grassle (Ma Ingalls)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Jennifer Donati (Baby 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 Breakfasts will be held at 8:30 am with the LHOTP cast at the Villa Bellezza VIP Breakfast tickets are $100 each.
The LHOTP 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 for 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 LHOTP 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)
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 Breakfasts 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 LHOTP 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.
50th Anniversary Event – Walnut Grove, MN – July 19-21, 2024
50th Anniversary Cast Reunion – Torrington, CT – August 30-31 & September 1, 2024; three big days of a LHOTP 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion.
Susan McCray, the Casting Director of LHOTP
Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls)
Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Melissa “Missy” Francis (Cassandra Ingalls)
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Allison Balson (Nancy Oleson)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Lucy Lee Flippin (Eliza Jane Wilder)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Stan Ivar (John Carter)
David Friedman (Jason Carter)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
Gil Gerald (Chris Nelson)
Leslie Landon Matthews (Miss Plum)
Sherri Stoner (Rachel Brown Oleson, wife of Willie Oleson in the 9th season)
Victor and Tracy French – children of Victor French (Mr. Edwards)
Wilder Days – Mansfield, MO – September 27-28, 2024
UPDATED July 29, 2023: Patrick Labyorteaux, who played Andy Garvey, announced as Mansfield guest speaker for Wilder Days.
UPDATED May 3, 2023: I replaced the 2022 list with the 2023 list. And no sooner had I posted it but another 3 actor event appeared in my feed. And another Mansfield event appeared. The day I published.
UPDATED May 23, 2023: I added the Grand Rivers, Kentucky event.
UPDATED May 24, 2023: I added the Project Archeology event.
UPDATED June 1, 2023: I added the Nashville Cruises event.
UPDATED June 2, 2023: I added the South Dakota Historical Society Press event.
UPDATED June 28, 2023: Added 2 dates to the Spring Valley list.
UPDATED July 3, 2023: I added details to the KY actor event, a De Smet event, and added the Garth Williams display.
UPDATED July 5, 2023: I got confirmation for dates and times for Keystone and updated it. I added the Westminster, CA musical dates.
UPDATED July 15, 2023: I got the dates for the Cherry Blossom Festival for Marshfield, MO next year.
UPDATED July 20, 2023: I added details for Arkansas cast event.
UPDATED July 23, 2023: I got the dates for the Walnut Grove Reunion next year.
UPDATED August 1, 2023: Added the link to the Harvey Dunn Plein Aire Event website and Mayfield, KY event.
UPDATED August 7, 2023: Added the cast member event in Texas in December and the musical production next January.
UPDATED August 18, 2023: I removed a descriptive line no longer true in Pepin and changed out a photo.
UPDATED August 25, 2023: I added my LIWLRA online program and the Newberry class.
UPDATED September 15, 2023: I added the actress who played Sylvia to the Oklahoma event.
UPDATED September 18, 2023: I added the Sept. LIWLRA session.
UPDATED September 30, 2023: I added the full website link to the Simi Vallley event.
UPDATED October 15, 2023: I added 2 more reunion events for next year. One is in Independence, KS and a Pepin one will be added soon.
UPDATED October 23, 2023: I added details to next year’s Independence and Pepin Cast Reunion sites.
UPDATED November 4, 2023: I added the Torrington CT cast event.
UPDATED November 15, 2023: I added another attendee to CT event.
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.
Whether you are looking for the perfect present for the Laura Ingalls Wilder fan in your life or you want to know what to put on your own Christmas wish list, check out these suggestions!
This is the thirteenth year I’ve put together a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan shopping guide. I redid the first post for basic gift ideas 3 years ago. I rewrote it and added a bunch of photos. Even if you have an established collection, take a look!
After you’ve read that first post, use this post to look for new items, other ideas, and a list of which Laura homesites are offering Christmas mail order and the cut off dates for shipping by Christmas this year. If you’d like to see videos of unboxing packages from the homesite giftshops, I’ve added a category of unboxing videos on my YouTube.
Trundlebed Tales encourages you to do at least a little Christmas shopping from the Laura homesites because they are all local museums, highly dependent on admissions and gift shop revenue to stay open and preserve the homesites for Laura fans, so do your part.
Some homesites have closed for the season completely others are still monitoring and answering their phone calls and e-mail fairly quickly. Walnut Grove, De Smet, and Mansfield are still active over the winter.
And don’t forget you can also get your Laura fan gift memberships to the museums or a donation in your Laura fan’s name! Most of the presents that I suggested in 2014 , 2015 , 2016, 2017,2018, 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , and 2022 are still available so take a look at previous shopping posts for more ideas.
WARNING: The Walnut Grove museum gift shop is down. They are rebuilding it, but you can call. They are still taking orders. The entire Independence website appears to be down. So they may not be a good choice for this year.
Recent Books
The South Dakota State Historical Society Press published Laura’s previously unpublished memoir, Pioneer Girl, a few years back. It was a huge smash (they’re still selling well) and they almost immediately started work on a follow-up trilogy. The second of that trilogy has come out as Pioneer Girl: The Path into Fiction. This book compares the drafts up to the finished copy. It demonstrates the process through drafts to the published Little House in the Big Woods. Although the press started talking about as Pioneer Girl and a follow up trilogy, at some point they’ve switched to talking as if Pioneer Girl was number 1 in the series and the rest following as 2,3,4. Bear that in mind if you order from them directly and make sure you give the correct title. You may also get the entire series from any of the Laura homesites.
One new take on a book this year is Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Rocky Ridge Farm: A Detailed Look Behind the Scenes by Michelle Underwood. Underwood works at the Laura Museum in Mansfield, MO and tells you all about what working there and visiting there is like.
A new update is The Ingalls Family of De Smet. This collection of Ingalls family photos, documents, clippings, etc. has been around for years, but this is a new update with all new additions.
Lately it seems like there is a cast member from the NBC TV show rolling out at least one new book almost every year. So the new book this year is by Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace). Her first book was a devotional and now Lee has written a memoir, Red Tail Feathers: Dare to Discover the Beauty of Grace, including her time on the show.
It won’t do you any good for this Christmas, but early next year Dean Butler (Almanzo) will release his memoir Prairie Man.
Does your giftee have an Audible account? They not only have the Cherry Jones version of the “Little House” series audiobooks, but also several books about Laura including Becoming Laura Ingalls Wilder by John E. Miller and Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder, edited by William T. Anderson. Most recently they added the first 2 books of the Stephen Hines reprint of Laura’s Missouri Ruralist articles.
Selected Laura Letters
Does your favorite Laura fan have a copy of The Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder by William Anderson yet? If not, make sure they get a Christmas copy! Find it at any of the homesites. Any Williams book is always a great selection. This one has been out a few years now, but if your fan doesn’t have it, they really need it.
Oh Christmas Tree!
De Smet says this one only has 3 left!
Do you think a Christmas tree ornament is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday? Laura homesites have you covered. The De Smet Memorial Society has a series of china ornaments. They are letting some of them go out of production so if you want a complete set be sure to get them while you can! They also have a metal ornament featuring 3 of their key buildings, the Surveyors’ House, the First School of De Smet, and the Ingalls Home that stand in De Smet, South Dakota. They’ve also added a mini-tin cup ornament to their store.
There are specific ornaments by homesite including a wooden hand-painted one from Walnut Grove and the painted ball ornaments (each site only sells their own) available from many of the homesites. Mansfield is focused on its metal ornaments. The Ingalls Homestead is really focusing on Christmas stuff, including ornaments, books, and tin cups!
The Shirt Off Your Back
Walnut Grove does some of the coolest t-shirts in both quality and design. This shirt is my favorite one from this year. I love the color scheme and this is one Laura shirt that seems designed to be worn places other than Laura homesites and events. I love the flower bouquet one with her signature, too. They seem to be turning over designs faster than usual.
Mansfield has a wide collection of T-shirts because besides their normal homesite shirts, they carry them for their Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival and for the Fiddle Contest shirts. This year they had one specifically for Wilder Days. In addition, they have zipped front sweatshirts. The big win in Mansfield this year is the Garth Williams t-shirt with his signature down the arm as part of their Williams illustration edition of the books anniversary display.
All the homesites offer t-shirts and this type of “Laura clothes” everyone needs.
Jody Wheeler’s Almanzo
Illustration Artwork Jody Wheeler did for the “My First Little House Books” picture book series about Almanzo are for sale at the online Malone site shop and also at Books of Wonder online shop: https://booksofwonder.com/collections/artwork-new, as well as directly through Jody Wheeler. These are original illustrations, not prints.
Whoa Nellie!
Alison Arngrim, Nellie Oleson the TV show, is one of the most active with the fandom. She offered daily readings to Laura fans daily via her Facebook page during the pandemic. Apparently a lot of the people tuning in were surprised that you can buy bonnets and tin cups. She has been doing a brisk business. She’ll sign anything available on her website if you ask.
Wendi Lou Lee’s Eric Caron Designed Christmas Card
Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls on the NBC TV show) also has a shop. She’s selling copies of her book A Prairie Devotional and some crafts. This year she has introduced 2 new products for Christmas. One is a card designed by Eric Caron and the other an ornament on a slice of tree branch with two girls walking on it.
Another product are the Beadle Bags created by Charlotte Stewart each is unique. If you have a TV show fan in your life, they’ll probably want one.
Put the China Shepherdess on the Mantle
Mansfield Shepherdess – Photo courtesy of Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum
What makes the Ingalls family a home? One thing is the china shepherdess. Do you want one for your house? There are currently 3 different designs available. Three of the Laura homesites (Mansfield, Walnut Grove, and Independence) have each introduced their own new version of the shepherdess. They cost about the same. Watch me unbox the shepherdesses from Independence and Mansfield.
With Rings on Her Fingers…
Walnut Grove has been offering a duplicate of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s engagement ring for sometime. It’s designed following what’s believed to be the one Almanzo bought her from the Montgomery Ward catalog. The cost is a little expensive (much more than Manly paid), but as many complements as I get when I wear mine, it’s a perfect gift! It’s always worth another shout out! You have to call the Walnut Grove museum giftshop to order one.
Cat’s Meow!
Lauri Goforth is the Cat’s Meow star! At least she should feel like she is because it was her efforts last year that lead the company to roll out a new set of Laura Ingalls Wilder figures to go with what they originally had in 1998. Mansfield is still selling their two set pieces from the 1998 batch and one from the new set.
Watch me unbox!
Don’t Leave Home Without It!
The big new addition last year was a Laura passport. This passport is a multi-site opportunity to get stamps as you visit each Laura site. Learn more about the sites and get a stamp to show where you’ve been! They are available now at most of the Laura homesites. (Honestly, I was busy enough I didn’t get it taken along this summer, but I look forward to getting all the stamps.)
Passport, Photo Courtesy of Burr Oak
Laura, an American Master
Laura Ingalls Wilder: Prairie to Page is the documentary about Laura from American Masters. I’ve been told it’s one of their most viewed ever. The great news is that it’s available on DVD and Amazon Prime. You NEED a copy.
Queen’s Treasures
When Friendly Films and their Little House on the Prairie TV show started authorizing products again one of the first things licensed was a set of dolls and accessories for a Laura doll. They have everything from a covered wagon to all the miniature equipment you need to fill it up. You can outfit your doll in a typical pioneer dress or in one based on Laura’s good dress from the TV show. Last year they rolled out a second doll so now you can purchase both Laura and Mary. Watch for sales, they’ve had some pretty good ones so far this year.
Queen’s Treasures also have rolled out a different type of doll this year. They have itty bitty little bears made to look like the Ingalls family and the Oleson family a la the TV show. They come with playsets including a play building, furniture, and even little quilts.
They also have an advent calendar shaped like the Ingalls home on the TV show. It’s on their retirement list this season.
Some Homesite Highlights
The Ingalls Homestead recommends keeping an eye on their Christmas themed page in their online store. One of their most popular items every Christmas is their version of Laura and Mary’s Christmas presents from their year in Independence, Kansas. They also have a South Dakota handcrafted page – which has a Nettie rag doll (Mary’s childhood doll) which is definitely a unique present.
One of the most exciting things about Pepin’s store for fans of the “Little House” picture books is that Pepin now is selling high quality prints of Renee Graef’s illustrations. There are several and appear in different sizes. Another cool thing is that they are now selling private label honey and maple syrup. Take a look around their web store! I haven’t been to very many of the gift shops this year, but I think Pepin is in the lead to take the cutest stuffed version of Jack.
For Burr Oak you can shop online through their website or at http://www.shopiowa.com (although the selection is much better and more items on our website). Shopiowa limits the vendor to sell only 25 items and they have more than double that on their website. You can still shop their regular online store.
Watch the Walnut Grove Facebook page for specials. They’re really pleased with their clothing line. They have some long-sleeve t-shirts with hoods available in blue or black.
Almanzo and Star the Calf Puppets from Spring Valley
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society in De Smet has a special Christmas patterned “Tea for 1” set decorated with Christmas holly. It’s a giant cup and small teapot. Finally if you don’t have a copy of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Education in Kingsbury County by Nancy S. Cleaveland, get one from De Smet. They also have soaps that aren’t on their website, but you can call for them. They have Berry Jam and Syrup.
Spring Valley, which always focuses on having non-typical things, is still the home of the best “American Girl”/”Queen’s Treasures”/Other 18-inch doll dresses. Walnut Grove out does them in accessories. They’ve also rolled out a great series of puppets.
Laura and Jack Puppets from Spring Valley
If you love “18-inch dolls” aka “American Girl Doll Size”, Thimbles and Acorns has been printing dress patterns for specific doll dresses. There are publications of various lengths and with patterns around various themes. Most of the homesite giftshops have them now.
Malone has continued to offer limited products in the Almanzo Wilder farmstead Facebook shop. You can also shop their full online store. Malone is still the best place to find a tin lantern if you’re looking for a cheaper, mass-produced tin lantern (like Ma uses in Little House in the Big Woods), they have a selection of different designs. In their new to the giftshop section they have “I Found the Chicken” t-shirts which kid visitors to the farm will recognize. It was a big year for ball caps they have a new one, also. They have added anew wooden cutout ornament and 2 new mug designs, one featuring the Wilder Home and one featuring the Barns.
Mansfield has some great things this season. The best thing is that they’ve got some first edition copies of the Rose Years books. They’ve created a great wood box to sell them as a set. They have specialized soy candles in both 9 oz and 12 oz candles flavored (Lemon Verbena, Almanzo’s Prize Pumpkin, Big Woods, Ma’s Apple Pie). They’ve also rolled out some new clothes including sweatshirts and ball caps.
When I teach one-room school sessions I’ve been surprised by questions about where to buy McGuffey’s Readers after I tell them they are still in print. (102 years of reprints and counting after they fell out of print for about 20 years.) You can find them online at Pepin (under Books keep clicking show more until they show up, it’s a long way down) and Mansfield (note the covers that are all brown are the 1830s edition and the blue/orange-ish covers are 1890s-ish).
Also find some interesting fabric projects. You can get prints directly from Renee Graef. NOT all of her Laura prints in Renee’s store are available under her Little House category. Be sure to look at all of them. If your budget is really big you can get original Garth Williams art.
I recommend contacting the sites by e-mail or online store instead of by phone, except where noted. I had a little more wait time getting answers to e-mails this year. If you want to order in person or want to be sure there is someone there if you have questions; Walnut Grove, the Memorial Society in De Smet, and Mansfield still have open gift shops.
Check out the shipping dates from the United States Postal Service, if you have a question about shipping dates. Every year I try to get this done early and this year I was super late. So go with the USPS dates.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum (Store not online)
wilderinspringvalley@hotmail.com
Recommends using e-mail to order for Christmas, but you may want to include your phone number in the e-mail so they can get back to you with questions quickly.
The best way for people to shop during the winter is through the website gift shop and then pay through Paypal. You can email the museum with questions. They are no longer accepting checks for orders because of some bad check incidents.
Pepin WI
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum Online Store Best to order online, but can also reach by phone 715-513-6383, or by sending a letter. Neither museum nor gift shop is open during the winter.
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.
December we have another spurt of Laura Ingalls Wilder events. Listen to my podcast about December 2023.
De Smet SD
“Badger Clark: The Cowboy Poet”- Saturday, December 9, 2023 – 5pm. This year’s performance is going to include readings of poems by Badger Clark who was a 19th century South Dakota cowboy poet. You can attend in person at the De Smet Wellness Center. Reach them at 605-854-6060. Tickets are $20.00 Previously it was broadcast live on Facebook, also, but no confirmation of that yet.
Spring Valley MN
Winter Fundraiser December 5, 2023 – Previously this has been a Christmas tea, but I haven’t heard anything about what exactly they’re doing this year and they labeled it Winter Fundraiser on their calendar.
Mansfield MO
Christmas at Laura’s – Saturday, December 9, 2023- 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.
Malone/Burke NY
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.
Cast Reunions at Non-Homesite Towns of More than 3 Cast Members
Corsicana, Texas
“Have Yourself a Prairie Christmas”
December 2-3, 2023
Saturday/Sunday meet and greet held at the Pioneer Village and a Sunday VIP breakfast & special Christmas on the Prairie Dinner with the cast on Saturday night at the Corsicana Opry.
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
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.
When I post my video diaries I always get comments about my Laura clothes. No, not my period dresses, but my Laura Ingalls Wilder t-shirts that I wear for travel and Laura trips. I thought everyone might enjoy a closer look at them. So enjoy our monthly series where we look at a Laura shirt.
Shirt of the Month
Here’s this month’s shirt:
This is my second favorite Mansfield t-shirt. Laura related fiddle contests started out in Pepin, WI, but this second fiddle contest was added several years ago in Mansfield, MO. Both these contests have become fairly big regional fiddle events. Mansfield now does a different design of t-shirt every year. This is my favorite one they’ve ever done. It features both a drawing of Rocky Ridge and a color image of Pa’s fiddle, two of the best things to see in Mansfield.
Can You Get It?
These shirts are sold at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum Giftshop in Mansfield, Missouri. Sadly each design is only sold for one year and then they design a different one for the next year. They’re not going to top this one though. There is no use even to try. They don’t have them listed on their website, but you can definitely find the current design in person at the gift shop or calling and asking for this year’s Fiddle Off shirt no matter what the design is.
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.
If you haven’t been to Mansfield, Missouri there are two Wilder houses as part of the museum complex. One is Rocky Ridge Farmhouse and the other is the Rock House. The Rock House was a modern retirement home with all the latest technology available including, the then rare in rural areas, electricity and town water.
Photos
It’s a lot easier to get interior photos now then it was in 2016 when this article was written, but I wanted to share this article. The photos are a lot more interesting and artistic than people just trying to remember the house would take and might give you some ideas for your own.
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.
September is always a big Laura Ingalls Wilder month. It has 2 of the big events for homesites, Pepin, WI and Mansfield, MO, and another event in Malone, NY. Sadly the Hoover Library isn’t doing its Laura Ingalls Wilder Remembered event though. Catch the podcast for more.
Pepin WI
Laura Days – September 9 & 10, 2023
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. This year is a fresh start, but it’s hard to say at this point what will be included.
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder) is their speaker.
Mansfield MO
Wilder Days and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Fiddle Off – September 22-23, 2023
Annual celebration commemorating Laura Ingalls Wilder, America’s favorite pioneer girl, and her cherished Little House books. We will be having our 8th Annual Fiddle Contest on Wilder Day. It will be a great day to enjoy fiddle music on the property as well as to hear Pa’s Fiddle played.
Please come out and enjoy the festivities. Visit our Facebook page for more info.
Fundraising Dinner – September 22, 2023 The 6th Annual, “Wilder Dinner.” Patrick Labyorteaux, who played Andy Garvey on the NBC TV series, will be the special guest.
Malone/Burke NY
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
Cast Reunions at Non-Homesite Towns of More than 3 Cast Members
Orlando, FL
Fanboy Expo Orlando Convention
September 1-3, 2023
Get Tickets, Fan Packages, Photo Ops and Autographs www.fanboyexpo.com/orlando
Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls)
Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
The Pioneer Woman Mercantile Event Center in Pawhuska, OK
Here is the ticket link to the Saturday Night, Little House Murder Mystery Dinner on September 23, 2023
Only 100 tickets will be sold for the Little House Murder Mystery! This premiere evening event also features a professional photo with you and the cast members.
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.
July is the biggest event month of the year and it’s exciting to see everything that’s going on. I’m sorry to miss the Third Laura Ingalls Wilder event in De Smet, but only found out after my summer plans were set that it was happening. I’m glad my friend Kelly and me are going to take a super quick run up to Walnut Grove to see their new pageant after the classic one ran for 45 years I want to see what they do next. I’m not speaking at any of the events this year, but feel free to tell them you want me to next year!
Home at Laura’s Place – 9:00 am to 5:00pm (2nd weekend, Saturday and Sunday)
July 8-9, 2023
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.
Independence KS
Carrie Ingalls Swanzey Birthday Party – Saturday, July 29, 2023 – 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Walnut Grove MN
This year starts a brand new trilogy of plays in place of the Fragments of a Dream pageant. The 1st play they put on for this new series will actual be the 2nd one in the trilogy. The first in the trilogy will be closest to traditional Fragments of a Dream so they are skipping on to the 2nd one. It’s called Chasing the Dream, 1875-1876.
July 7-8, 2023
July 14-15, 2023
July 21-22, 2023
Family Festival held in Walnut Grove City Park on pageant Saturdays, July 8, 15, and 22, 2023. 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. On July 15th William T. Anderson and Cindy Wilson of Beautiful Snow will be there.
De Smet SD
Heart of the Prairie
An original production, is described as featuring Laura and early De Smet history.
July 7, 8, 9, 2023
July 14, 15, 16. 2023
July 21, 22, 23, 2023
Gates Open 6 pm, Performance at 8 pm
First School event – July 15, 2023
De Smet Event #3 (name not official)
July 22, 2023
10 am – Judy Thompson – Artist who did covers for Pioneer Girl Project
1 pm Cindy Wilson – Author of The Beautiful Snow
2 pm William Anderson
July 23, 2023
2 pm William Anderson
Mansfield MO
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 24-28, 2023 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.
Malone/Burke NY
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.
Keystone SD – Longtime Home of Carrie Ingalls Swanzey
Carrie Ingalls Swanzey’s Birthday Party – Friday July 29 – Saturday July 30th for a small event with activities, music, and birthday cake.
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.
Little House Adventure Summer Camp – One day adventure camps for kids held 3 different times. Registration is a separate fee. Kids ages 8-10.
Thursday, July 6, 2023| 10 am – 3 pm
Thursday, July 20, 2023 | 10 am – 3 pm
Thursday, August 10, 2023 | 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 30, 2023| 10 am – 3 pm
Nelson Pioneer Farm – Oskaloosa, Iowa
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.
Project Archeology
July 14-15, 2023
Blue Earth, MN
Project Archeology teaches classes for teachers. You have to register before hand, but can get both Continuing Education (MN) and college credit. This class must be pre-registered for and costs $129 for Continuing Education credit and $152 for College Credit. There are only 16 spaces available. As you can see in the agenda the focus is on more general 19th century Midwest farm archeology. Website for Class Agenda for Class
The Wilder Podcast
This short term podcast recorded information over last summer and has produced a short run format podcast. I was one of the unnamed voices in Part 1. They just released Part 4. Find it on I Heart Radio or check wherever you get your podcasts. I’m saving comments until the end, but they keep saying AlmOnzo. 😦
UPDATED July 5 2023: I added the information I just got from Keystone.
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.
March is the start of the year’s Laura Ingalls Wilder season. It’s still pretty quiet. However, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, Missouri is the first of the Laura homesites that close for the season to reopen each year. Walnut Grove and De Smet are both at least partially open all year, but with Mansfield’s opening it means that the Laura Ingalls Wilder season has officially begun!
Spaghetti Supper – Decorah Lutheran church on March 4, 2023 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!
LIWLRA
Online – Members Only – Nancy McCabe & Beth Nolan Connors on comparing “Little House” and Little Women – Sunday, March 12 2023 – 1 pm
South Dakota Historical Society Press
Pre-Order 4th Pioneer Girl Book
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.
The South Dakota State Historical Society Press published Laura’s previously unpublished memoir, Pioneer Girl, a few years back. It was a huge smash (they’re still selling well) and they almost immediately started work on a follow-up trilogy. The second of that trilogy has come out as Pioneer Girl: The Path into Fiction. This book compares the drafts up to the finished copy. It demonstrates the process through drafts to the published Little House in the Big Woods. Although the press started talking about as Pioneer Girl and a follow up trilogy, at some point they’ve switched to talking as if Pioneer Girl was number 1 in the series and the rest following as 2,3,4. Bear that in mind if you order from them directly and make sure you give the correct title. You may also get the entire series from any of the Laura homesites.
One new take on a book this year is Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Rocky Ridge Farm: A Detailed Look Behind the Scenes by Michelle Underwood. Underwood works at the Laura Museum in Mansfield, MO and tells you all about what working there and visiting there is like.
Walnut Grove does some of the coolest t-shirts in both quality and design. This shirt is my favorite one from this year. I love the color scheme and this is one Laura shirt that seems designed to be worn places other than Laura homesites and events. I love the flower bouquet one with her signature, too. They seem to be turning over designs faster than usual.
Mansfield has a wide collection of T-shirts because besides their normal homesite shirts, they carry them for their Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival and for the Fiddle Contest shirts. This year they had one specifically for Wilder Days. In addition, they have zipped front sweatshirts. The big win in Mansfield this year is the Garth Williams t-shirt with his signature down the arm as part of their Williams illustration edition of the books anniversary display.
Mansfield has some great things this season. The best thing is that they’ve got some first edition copies of the Rose Years books. They’ve created a great wood box to sell them as a set. They have specialized soy candles in both 9 oz and 12 oz candles flavored (Lemon Verbena, Almanzo’s Prize Pumpkin, Big Woods, Ma’s Apple Pie). They’ve also rolled out some new clothes including sweatshirts and ball caps.
July is the biggest event month of the year and it’s exciting to see everything that’s going on. I’m sorry to miss the Third Laura Ingalls Wilder event in De Smet, but only found out after my summer plans were set that it was happening. I’m glad my friend Kelly and me are going to take a super quick run up to Walnut Grove to see their new pageant after the classic one ran for 45 years I want to see what they do next. I’m not speaking at any of the events this year, but feel free to tell them you want me to next year!
Sarah's Notebook 