"B Is for Battle Cry: A Civil War Alphabet"
By Patricia Bauer & David Geister
May 31, Time 1:30 p.m. - FREE

Bauer's first children's book effort is sure to please. Introducing a complex topic, the American Civil War, in a simple way makes the topic accessible for young audiences. At the same time, the content is broad enough that parents will learn a thing or two as well. Beautifully illustrated by Geister (her husband), both author and artist will be on hand to answer questions.

B is for Battle Cry was written with music in mind, and live music is a part of this reading. Don and Sherry Ladig plan flute and piano in several traditional folk bands including Dunquin, Night Scotsman, and The New Pearl Button Players. They will be playing traditional songs from the Civil War era during the reading program.

Modern Interpretations of Historic Designs: Late 19th Century Designs from Hastings Needlework
Exhibit Opening
LeDuc Historic Estate
Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This exhibit features the original artwork of 22 creative artists who accepted the challenge to interpret patterns designed by Alice LeDuc for the Hastings Needlework Company.

You will have the opportunity to meet the needlework artists from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well as see original LeDuc Needlework items on loan from the MN Historical Society. Dr. Ann Braaten (NDSU) will present lectures on Hastings Needlework at 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. 

Reservations REQUIRED Call: 651-437-7055 or email: leduc@co.dakota.mn.us.

Summer Youth Day Camps - NEW
LeDuc Historic Estate
June 15-19, 2009- FILLED!

For the first time the Society is offering a youth day camp from June 15- 19 for 5th, 6th and 7th grade students. Based on LeDuc family history and 19th century life in Minnesota, students will live days "in the life" of a LeDuc. Campers will wear period clothing, run a late 19th century household, and create crafts common to the 1800s. The Day Camp program is offered through District 200 Community Education so registration needs to be done online. For questions on registration, contact Community Education at 651-480-7000. Space is limited, so make your reservation today!!

Farm, Food & Fun Fair:
Reconnecting with Agricultural Roots in Dakota County 1858 - 2009
LeDuc Historic Estate - FREE
Saturday, August 22, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Learn about William LeDuc's contribution to agriculture. Enjoy demonstrations of traditional woodworking, harvesting, and food preservation while trying your hand at old-fashioned farm tasks.  Farm animals will be present and you can enter a home-made pickle contest!  For contest rules, click here. More info at www.dakotahistory.org.

Civil War Weekend
LeDuc Historic Estate - FREE for MEMBERS
Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Experience demonstrations of drill, black powder musketry, blacksmithing, and cooking over an open fire while taking in speeches, debates, music, readings, and a union encampment. This perennial favorite is family-friendly and free for members.

Admission for non-members are: adults - $10, seniors - $8, students - $5.

Simmons Country Market
LeDuc Historic Estate - FREE
Saturday, September 26 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Art, antiques, fine crafts, home-baked goods, fruits & vegetables will be offered for sale on the beautiful grounds surrounding the house and carriage barn. Enjoy artist demonstrations as the Hastings Artists Guild partners with the Society for the second year of the Guild's art crawl.

Harvest Haunting
LeDuc Historic Estate - $5 per person
Saturday, October 24, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

New this year is a scary walk in the LeDuc woods, plus the all-time favorites of storytelling, candlelight tours of the cellar, the making of apple juice and s'mores. A family-friendly event!

Hastings Art Show & Sale
LeDuc Historic Estate - FREE
November 7 - 15, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Beautiful art in a wide variety of media offered for sale throughout the 1st and 2nd floor of the estate. Just in time for holiday shopping.

Victorian Holidays
LeDuc Historic Estate
December 5-6 & 12-13, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tours of this elegantly decorated house and holiday shopping in the museum store. A traditional holiday dinner is offered on the 13th.
Check www.dakotahistory.org in October for details.

Note to our shoppers - you can shop the gift shop without paying admission.

Tour hours during the Holidays are:
Saturday, December 5: 10, 11:30, 1, 2:30 & 4
Sunday, December 6: 10, 11:30, 1, 2:30 & 4
Saturday, December 12: 10, 11:30, 1, 2:30 & 4
Sunday, December 13: 10, 11:30, 1, 2:30 & 4

Victorian Holiday Dinner
December 13 - Details TBA