Adirondack Family Activities: Almanzo Wilder Farm Museum Fest

Honorary Laura Ingalls and
Almanzo Wilder
Most people have heard of the “Little House” books that preserved a personal account of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s frontier life. If you haven't read them it is never too late. Perhaps a trip to the library so you can share these memories of a challenging pioneer lifestyle with your child would be fun.

The tie-in to the North Country is the third book in the series, Farmer Boy, which chronicles the childhood experiences of Laura’s husband Almanzo Wilder.  From 1840 to 1875 the Wilders made Burke, NY (just outside of Malone) their home. Since 1987 the original homestead has been used as a museum and educational center.


The “Little House” books have been translated into over 40 different languages, the Laura Ingalls Wilder’s series glimpses into a time that has disappeared but that clearly demonstrates how settlers like the Ingalls and Wilder families built our country.
Almanzo Wilder Farm

I remember acting out these books when I was young, trying to make the recipes discussed within its pages and do the simple crafts that were within. Now I am able to share that with my children.

As part of its annual Harvest Festival, the 84-acre farm/museum will be available for self-guided tours this September 25th. Docents will be on hand to answer questions regarding the vast property and its special connection to the book.

There are quite a few events that center around the Wilders as depicted in Farmer Boy as well as the preservation of New York rural life in the 1800s. Look forward to early American children’s games, an art activity, scarecrow-building contest and pumpkin painting. There will be live music, food, a clogging demonstration and even a Civil War Encampment. 


Looking at a diorama
of the original farm.
The Almanzo and Laura Wilder Association is a non-profit organization committed to restoring the 84-acre property as a historical site. The house has been renovated and is claimed to be the only dwelling from the “Little House” books that is still in its original location. Other houses from the various Ingalls/Wilder frontier westward quests have either been moved or destroyed.  The other outbuildings on this property are reproductions.

The Harvest Festival will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3.00 for 6 -16, 5 and under are free. For more information please call 518-483-120.


To get there from the town of Malone take Route 11 NE to Route 23 E. Take first right onto Donohue Road and turn right onto Stacy Road. The Wilder Farm will be on the left.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Be A Nature Detective: What Tree has Camouflage Bark?

Crafts: Aldo Leopold Bench Plans

Adirondack Treats: Make Your Own Mirror Lake Inn Chocolate Chip Cookies (recipe)