Upcoming Events

A Pond House Afternoon

Saturday, August 6, 1:00–4:00 pm

Gideon & Agnes Pond House
401 East 104th Street, Bloomington, MN

Join the creators of Grasshoppers in My Bed at this historic 19th-century home. Brothers Gideon and Samuel Pond were early missionaries and neighbors to the Dakota people.  As ministers and farmers, they also had close ties with the Gibbs family. Today the Pond House is a museum, the centerpiece of Pond-Dakota Mission Park on the Minnesota River bluffs in Bloomington. 

Author Terry Swanson and illustrator Peggy Stern will be on the site to sign books, discuss historical fiction for young readers, and lead an art activity. Pond House guides will offer house tours, and guests can explore the 18-acre park with soaring views of the Minnesota River Valley. Admission is free.  For details, visit the Pond House website. 

In Search of Lillie Belle Gibbs

Two Fridays: August 12 & 19

Noon–3:00 pm  

Gibbs Farm historic site
2097 Larpenteur Avenue, Saint Paul, MN

Gibbs Farm hosts a special program inspired by the new book release Grasshoppers in My Bed.  Join Terry Swanson, historian and author, as she introduces Lillie Gibbs at age 11 in 1877 through special tours right here on the farm where she grew up. You’re going to love getting to know Lillie!

Artist Peggy Stern, illustrator of Grasshoppers in My Bed, joins in the search for Lillie through craft activities inspired by illustrations in the book.

Snacks, drawing for a free book, and author/illustrator book signing are included.  The book is available in the Gibbs Farm gift shop. 

Admission

Adults  $8.00 
62+  $7.00

Children 4–16   $5.00

Free for members of Ramsey County Historical Society