Current Exhibit


Kindred Spirits: Then and Now

Using Mrs. Aldrich’s own personal story as the inspiration, our fall exhibit “Kindred Spirits: Then and Now” celebrates women with similar stories of perseverance and compassion.

See flyer for details.

 Upcoming Exhibits


Journey Into Christmas 2024

Once again the 1922 Prairie Mansion will be full of holiday spirit. This year’s theme celebrates Mrs. Aldrich’s book “Mother Mason” and honors all the memories mothers bring to the holiday season.

 Past Exhibits


Mother Nature’s

Patchwork Quilt Show

With the beauty of nature as the inspiration, our summer quilt show will sweep you away. Quilters have decorated each room around an element, inspired by Mother Nature’s glorious creations.

Poetry in Motion

Let all your senses be brought to life as you experience never seen poetry from the Aldrich family. Each room is decorated around poems new and old, poets famous and local. With motion enhancing each theme, you will see Mrs. Aldrich and poetry in a whole new light.

Unusual Collections

Local contributions will fill the Aldrich House with unusual collections from August 30 - November 12.

Why I Live in a Small Town

The Bess Streeter Aldrich House will be decorated to represent the small town life of the past by incorporating 20th century Main Street Businesses. May 17-Aug 27

  Children’s Literature Exhibit

Once again, the Prairie Mansion will have the ever popular Children’s Literature Exhibit. The entire house is cleverly decorated to honor important literary works.

Journey Into Christmas 2022

Once again the 1922 Prairie Mansion will be full of holiday spirit. This year’s theme is based off of Mrs. Aldrich’s short story:

Another Brought Gifts

 Stitch in Time Quilt Show

The beautiful 1922 Prairie Mansion home of Bess Streeter Aldrich

celebrates its 100th Birthday with a Quilt Show that recognizes the seasons.

 Letters and Stories From the Elms Exhibit

Allie Shambaugh-Miller, a student at Drake University, volunteered as an intern with the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation during the summer of 2021. She accepted the very important job of helping the Foundation make a commemorative item for the Aldrich House’s 100th Birthday.

During her time with us, she put together a collection of letters written by Mrs. Aldrich during her years in Elmwood.

The booklet is available for purchase for $20.

  Children’s Literature Exhibit

The historic prairie mansion home of Bess Streeter Aldrich is celebrating its 100th Birthday with an exhibit honoring children’s literature. The entire house is cleverly decorated to honor important literary works.

 2017 - Journey Into Christmas

“Journey Into Christmas” exhibit produced by Dawn Tyrrell.

 

2017 - All That Glitters

“All That Glitters” exhibit produced by Dawn Tyrrell.