Civil War Weekend is Coming!
September 6 & 7, 2008 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Experience the Civil War brought to life by re-enactors from the First Minnesota, Second Minnesota, Battery I and St. Paul Volunteer Soldiers Aid Society. Featuring camp life, drill, weapons demonstrations, Lee's Farewell Speech, a debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas; fashions & art of the period, demonstrations of baking over an open fire & butter making; music by Century Brass Band; presentations on the Horrors of Andersonville Prison and the life of a freed slave; Estate tours and much more. You will experience it all at the LeDuc Historic Estate in Hastings during Civil War Weekend. Go to Leduc Events for a complete schedule of programs.

One-hour long tours of the Leduc House are available both days at 10, 10:20, 10:40, 11, 11:20 & 11:40 a.m. and 12, 12:20, 12:40, 1, 1:20, 1:40, 2, 2:20, 2:40, 3, 3:20, 3:40 & 4 p.m. A tour is included in admission price of $10 for adults; $9 for seniors; $5 for students up to age 18; Free for members of the Dakota County Historic Society and children up to age 5.

Food will be available for sale on site by Hoot's Barbecue. Festive Folk will be selling water, lemonade and apples. Be a part of history and visit the Leduc Historic Estate on September 6 & 7, 2008. Please call with questions @ 651-437-7055.

Free Birthday Parties to be Held at LeDuc
Thursday, August 21 & Saturday, August 23 from 1-4 p.m.

The Festive Folk youth volunteers are hosting two free "birthday" parties for children of all ages no matter when the child's birthday may be. Featuring old fashioned games, hide and seek, crafts, cupcakes and lemonade. Make this a family outing and come and enjoy an afternoon from yesteryear. The Festive Folk hosts will be dressed in period costumes.

Please call the Leduc Historic Estate at (651) 437-7055 for more information. Tours of the Estate are available on the days of the parties at regular tour rates. (Free for members and children ages 5 or younger; $6 for adults; $5 for senior or military personnel; and only $3 for students ages 6-17.)

Modern Interpretations of
Historic Designs:
Late 19th Century Designs from Hastings Needle Work

DCHS announces its first juried competition based on embroidery designs from the Hastings Needle Work company. Started in 1888 by Alice and Florence Leduc, Hastings Needle Work produced unique embroidery pieces for their clients through the mid-1920s. Although the designs were originally done in embroidery, participants are invited to use the media of their choice. For more information, patterns, and application form click here.

Free Sunday Night Concerts at LeDuc
Sundays - August 10, 17, and 24 - 7 p.m.

Join the Hastings Concert Association and the Dakota County Historical Society for free Sunday concerts at the Leduc Historic Estate. Concertgoers are invited to bring their own chairs and there will be, as in the past, pie and ice cream served by various organizations from the community.

As a bonus there will be an added 5:30 p.m. tour of the Leduc Historic Estate for attendees who wish to arrive early. The regular tour rates apply. Please call 651-437-7055 with questions. Come and enjoy a splendid night of music, food, fun, and history.

Hastings Needlework Day & Exploring Hastings Needlework
August 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - FREE - Presentations at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. - FREE

Let Dr. Ann Braaten guide you through the history, style and techniques that made this woman owned businesses that was a household name at the turn of the 20th century. Free demonstrations all day featuring crocheting, knitting, embroidery, penny rug, rug hooking, tatting and lace making. Refreshments will be served. Estate tours available at normal tour times and rates.

SIMMONS - A Tribute to Carroll Simmons and His Leduc Legacy
Saturday July 5 through Sunday October 26 - Leduc Historic Estate

2008 marks the 50th anniversary of Carroll Simmons donation of the Leduc Historic Estate to the Minnesota Historical Society. Carroll Simmons ran his antique business from the Estate from the 1940s to 1986 and during that time he became one of the leading antique experts in the nation. Join us for a special exhibition of some of the extraordinary antiques purchased from Mr. Simmons by local collectors.

Searching for a unique and memorable location for your wedding, groom's dinner, bridesmaid's luncheon, bridal shower or anniversary celebration? Be among the first to host your special event at the newly restored Leduc Historic Estate conveniently located 20 miles from the Twin Cities on Highway 61 in Hastings. The 1860s Gothic Revival stone mansion provides a memorable setting for up to 50 guests and the picturesque grounds and porches can accommodate much larger gatherings.

Built by William and Mary Leduc, a prominent early Minnesota family, history, architecture and nature meet in harmony at the Leduc Your guests will enjoy exploring this historic 15 room mansion and grounds on a guided tour, your photographs will include a truly remarkable backdrop whether taken inside our out, and your ceremony will gain an intimate feeling only the Leduc can provide. The Leduc was designed to invite nature indoors and the beautiful 4.5 acre site obliges - the grounds includes a strolling woods, heirloom apple orchard, grape arbor, peony garden, 200 year old oak trees and is near the scenic Vermillion Falls park.

This careful attention to nature is the hallmark of one of the most influential landscape architects and designers in the country - Andrew Jackson Downing. The estate is the most intact remaining example of his work in the country and the icehouse and carriage barn are also his designs.