Missouri school children will not have to wait to take a field trip to the Wilder Home. Thanks to a grant from the Missouri Humanities Council a 16-panel display that was originally exhibited at the Library Center of the Springfield-Greene County Library system will be duplicated and circulated to schools throughout the state.

In March of 2005 the Springfield-Greene County Library System, in cooperation with the Missouri Humanities Council, the Friends of the Library and with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, developed a 16-panel display as part of their month-long celebration “Everything’s Wilder in March at the Library” focusing on the life and writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The freestanding exhibit, entitled “Laura Ingalls Wilder: The Journey of a Pioneer Family,” was researched by Lori Stoudt, a local history associate at the Library Center, and the graphic and layout work was done by Community Relations Graphic Artist Danny Dye. Stoudt has a background in museum exhibits, having worked as a park ranger at the Independence Historic Park in Philadelphia, and has also served as the administrator of the Chadds Ford Historical Society in Pennsylvania.

The traveling display contains photographs and information relating to Mrs. Wilder, her famous “Little House” books and America’s westward expansion. Educators will be supplied with curriculum support and regional information specific to the Wilders and Mansfield, focusing on the railroad, offering new educational enrichment possibilities.

There is no charge for the exhibition, but each school is asked to be responsible for the shipping to the next school.

Right: Cover of real estate advertisement from

LAND OF THE BIG RED APPLE,

by J.T. Barker, 1902

Courtesy of the Western Historical Manuscript

Collection, Columbia, Missouri

If you would like additional details or would like to to schedule a time for the display please contact us:

Click the email link above liwhome@getgoin.net or call us toll-free at 1-877-924-7126

The Missouri Humanities Council is a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. It’s mission is “to help the people of Missouri learn about our history, our literature, and the ideas that shape our democracy.” Information about the Council is available on their website at www.mohumanities.org or by calling 1-800-357-0909