Available programs include: General Laura Program (Slides) This basic Laura program gives a general overview of Laura’s life. It features slides taken at all the Laura sites and is good for any age group. This is the best summary of Laura's life and I always put my first choice photos in this one as it is constantly updated. I like to use the set up with Old Laura of 1932, but you get the most information when I'm speaking as myself.   Packing Up (Slides) This twist on Laura's life has us looking in on Laura as she is packing up to move to Missouri. Laura has moved around a lot in life and collected a lot of experiences. As she is getting ready to leave DeSmet, she is going through an old trunk to see if there is anything that can be left behind. Each artifact (Tin Punch Lantern, Rag doll, etc.) in the old chest holds a story, one story for each of the places that Laura lived. These stories are bridged with information about Laura's life. Young Laura of 1894 must present this program.   Laura’s Life in Mansfield (Slides) This in-depth program answers the question "What happened next?" and picks up after the books have been published. It examines Laura's roles as farmwife, businesswoman, beginning writer, and famous author.   Following in Laura’s Footsteps (Slides) Having visited many of the Wilder sites multiple times, I give you the inside information about what there is to see at the main Wilder sites and the best way to see it. Included is a handout with more information. I help you prep for the trip and give you a series of questions to help you decide what type of Laura trip would work best for you.   Inside the Covers (Slides) This in-depth program looks at Laura Ingalls Wilder's books as objects and how decisions about design, illustration, and production have affected how we see Wilder's work.   A Visit With Laura (No Slides) Have an interactive visit with Laura using some of Laura’s own words and questions culled from actual letters written to her.   What’s My Story? (Storytelling) Who doesn’t like a good story? This session shares some stories of her life. Audience members are invited to pick an object from the table and hear its story. Depending on the size and organization of the audience there are lots of opportunities for everyone to take part.   Stories from Pa's Big Green Animal Book (Storytelling) Similar to the “What’s My Story” session, this specialized storytelling session focuses on animal stories. These stories come from Laura’s life and other historic animal tales. Also, a copy of Polar and Tropical Worlds (Pa’s Big Green Animal Book as identified by William T. Anderson) will be brought along for everyone to see.   Writing Isn't Perfect: Lessons from Laura Ingalls Wilder Everyone thinks of Laura Ingalls Wilder as someone who sat down late in life and wrote nearly perfect books that didn't need much editing. However, learning to write was a long process for Wilder and rejections and changes in her books, almost meant they weren't published. Delve into Wilder's writing process and take it as an example. (NOTE: This program works best as a PowerPoint, but can be done without it.)   Presentations on other topics include:   A Day in a One-Room School A set of slides takes you through a typical day in a one-room school around the turn of the century.   One-Room School Museums This presentation will look at the development and current status of one-room schools museums. Included will be time to look over available resources for one-room school use.     Introduction to Living History in the Classroom You might have heard something about living history or reenacting. What is it all about? How can it be used in a classroom setting? This program will give you an overview complete with a variety of ways it can be used in a classroom.   Electric Salad Bowls in Your Museum You might not think you have electric salad bowls in your local museum, but you might be surprised. This session has been presented at several conferences and a version appeared in the scholarly journal Thresholds from the University of Northern Illinois. Now bring this hour long training session to your museum to help volunteers, staff, and board members take a new look at what they’ve been doing.   Currently under revision, but available soon: Iowa Agriculture: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow A look both backwards and forwards at the culture of Agriculture as it has been practiced in Iowa. In it's original form, this program won a gold seal of excellence at the Iowa State Fair. Through a Child's Eyes: A Day in a Child's Life in 1900 Originally developed as part of an IowaCorp project, this program takes you through a day in life of a child from the turn of the last century. Last Updated:  October 26, 2007   By Sarah S. Uthoff info@trundlebedtales.com