Trundlebed Tales

We look at what's going on in Laura Ingalls Wilder fandom this month including events around the country and Trundlebed Tales programs.Big events this month are in Marshfield, Missouri and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. April is pretty much the start of this year's Laura Ingalls Wilder season. We have a few events and we're looking forward to events that will only increase from her on in for the rest of the season. Whether you're interested in the Little House TV show or actual research, April has got what you're looking for. The conference is based on the runaway bestseller "Pioneer Girl."

Join host Sarah Uthoff as she learns about maple syrup tradition and creation. Lynne's family has collectioned and processed maple syrup for years. Get the full story behind Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Maple Syrup played a vital role in the history of the county's diet providing a cheap sweetener. We'll also talk about maple syrup today.

Our guest this time is Nancy Koupal of the South Dakota State Historical Society Press. We've got a lot to cover this time. Koupal will discuss her past connection with Laura including finding the famous Ma and Pa portraits, her work bringing out "Pioneer Girl" and the upcoming "Pioneer Girl Prespectives,"  and this April's Laura Ingalls Wilder themed conference. There's always more that you can dig into when it comes to Laura Ingalls Wilder and we'll have a lot of fun doing that this episode.

Quilt expert Linda Halpin joins us to talk about the connection between Laura Ingalls Wilder and quilts. Most excitingly she is going to talk about her research about Doves in the Window, one of the quilt patterns Laura mentioned by name in the "Little House" books. She'll also talk about upcoming events and workshops that you can take part in.

John E. Miller is a Laura Ingalls Wilder expert. He is a frequent speaker at Laura conferences and was a past winner of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy award. Miller was born near Mansfield in Missourit and spent most of his life in Brookings, near DeSmet, South Dakota. His books include: Becoming Laura Ingalls WilderLaura Ingalls Wilder's Little TownLooking for History on Highway 14Laura Ingalls Wilder and Rose Wilder Lane: Authorship, Place, Time, and Culture Join us as we talk about his books, his research, Laura Ingalls Wilder and the "Little House" books.

Welcome to our seventh annual on air birthday celebration for author and pioneer Laura Ingalls Wilder. This year will be special because it's Laura's 150th Birthday so we have lots to celebrate. Laura fans are invited to call in and share either the story of how they became a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan, their favorite Laura Ingalls Wilder related experience, or annual family traditions based on Laura. Based on requests, I'm continuing it as an hour so you'll have plenty of time to call in. So please call in and help fill the time. If you want to share your story, but don't want to talk on air, you can send a story to me ahead of time or in the chatroom live during the show. Live callers or chat get time before sent in stories. Call tollfree 1 (877) 633-9389 Contact me through social media at Trundlebed Tales or send stories to info@trundlebedtales.com

What will happen in Laura Ingalls Wilder or Little House fandom during 2017? This is a BIG Laura Ingalls Wilder year because it's the 150th anniversary of Laura's birth. There are events scheduled, books coming out, and new products to buy. Catch this sneak peek. Also, feel free to call in and give your predictions or projects that you're working on.

Join us as we review what went on in Laura Ingalls Wilder fandom on the Little House on the Prairie this year. We mark six years of Trundlebed Tales podcasts with this episode. The first episode was broadcast Dec. 19, 2010 and also featured a round up of Laura fandom. Please look at it as an opportunity to check in with us. Think about calling in, commenting in the chatroom or sending me an e-mail with a comment before the broadcast.