“Poetry in Motion” Exhibit
Newly uncovered Aldrich poetry has inspired our spring exhibit. Each room’s theme is enhanced by well-known, new, and local poets and poems. New artwork showcasing Mrs. Aldrich’s lesser-known poetry is hung throughout the house. As if that wasn’t enough, the added element of motion will keep you on your toes as you enjoy poetry in a whole new way. Poetry in Motion Exhibit
"Mother Nature's Patchwork Quilt Show"
With the beauty of nature as the inspiration, our summer quilt show will leave you in awe. Quilters have decorated each room around the elements, inspired by Mother Nature’s glorious creations.
"Jewelry Through the Decades" Jewelry Appraisal and Tea
Dyann Rupp , jewelry collector and aficionado, is returning to Elmwood. She is bringing more of her collection to share, and will be available to offer appraisal on two items following her presentation. Guests are encouraged to bring, and wear, their favorite, unique, old, or just plain, fun jewelry to show off and/or show Dyann.
Journey into Christmas
Get into the Christmas spirit with the Aldrich House! Every room’s theme is inspired by a beautiful Christmas carol. As you walk through the house, let your mind wander back to the simple days of a childhood Christmas or make new memories with your own children and grandchildren. This annual exhibit is a tradition for many local families, and this is the year to make it one of you own as well. Journey into Christmas
Vintage Clothing Appraisal and Presentation
Kodie Whitbeck, a local vintage clothing broker, will be at the Aldrich Hougarse on Veteran’s Day to offer up his wealth of knowledge on vintage clothing and military uniforms. Patrons may bring up to 5 garments for Kodie to appraise. See here for more information about this truly unique event!
Jewelry Appraisal
Bring up to three pieces from your jewelry collection to be appraised by our own "unusual" collector. Your consultation is included with your Aldrich House tour admission ($5). We are currently featuring our Unusual Collections exhibit. Special date/hours: Sept. 8th, 1:30-4pm
"Unusual Collections"
Collectors from the community and surrounding areas have graciously volunteered their personal collections that reside outside the norm. Our “Unusual Collections” Exhibit will leave children and adults alike talking about the unique artifacts on display. Come giggle and gasp with us as you explore the beautiful Aldrich House and our exciting fall exhibit: “Unusual Collections”.
Summer Awards Program--Echoes of an Era, Paul Siebert
Using the Nebraska State Seal and Flag as a back drop, Paul presents a musical living history program of a family’s journey from Russia to Nebraska in the 1870’s. Using original and period music with up to 7 different acoustic instruments, storytelling, personal family history, period costume and extensive knowledge on the subject of Blacksmithing/metallurgy, Paul presents an interactive family centered entertaining program. The presentation is carefully adjusted to suit the specific age group, special interest, time constraints of the listener, and can include the specific event’s local Nebraska history.
1pm-2pm: Aldrich House Open with Children’s Literature Exhibit
2pm-3pm: Short Story Awards and “Echoes of an Era”
"Why I Live in a Small Town" Exhibit
Extensive research, massive community contributions, and painstaking organization went into this Summer exhibit. Watch the development of Elmwood unfold right before your eyes as you walk through the rooms of the Aldrich House. The businesses, organizations, churches, and the school are on display under the lights of years past. Walk down memory lane as you observe the photos, books, and artifacts donated by community members, alumni, and neighboring museums. See what life looked like to Mrs. Aldrich, and peek into life even further back to the days of Elmwood’s founding. To the newcomer, the exhibit illustrates Elmwood’s rich history of dedication to community, entrepreneurship, and family.
Journey into Christmas
Journey into Christmas At Historic Aldrich House
For more than twenty years, the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation has encouraged guests to enjoy the Christmas spirit by participating in Journey into Christmas at the Bess Streeter Aldrich House in Elmwood, Nebraska. Now celebrating its 100th Anniversary, the 1922 prairie mansion, built by widely read author Bess Streeter Aldrich and husband Charles, will once again be transformed for the holidays.
Known for her love of Christmas, Bess Streeter Aldrich, a Nebraska Hall of Fame author, wrote many short stories about the holiday and compiled them into a book aptly named Journey into Christmas. This year, the decoration theme will honor the Aldrich House’s special birthday and be based on Mrs. Aldrich’s short story Another Brought Gifts.
Each of the thirteen rooms will have a decorated tree and other theme-related decorations provided by local individuals and civic groups. This is an incredible opportunity to get in the holiday spirit, appreciate a beautiful historic home, and learn more about one of Nebraska’s greatest authors. A scavenger hunt will provide participants the opportunity to win prizes.
The Aldrich House is located at 204 East F Street in Elmwood. Journey into Christmas will open on Saturday, November 26th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. through December 18th. Weekday tours (before and after Christmas) are available by appointment. Simply contact Director Kurk Shrader at 402-867-4233. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children, ages 6 to 12. Learn more at: https://www.bessstreeteraldrich.org/upcoming-events and on Facebook at Bess Streeter Aldrich House and Museum.
