Book Clubs

FACTS IN FICTION    |    AMERICA 250    |    YOUTH    |    HOW TO REGISTER

HISTORICAL FACTS IN FICTION BOOK CLUB

$12 per session, or free for Living History Farms members. 

Sessions take place on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. or 7 p.m.

Select each date and time you want to attend.  Registrations must be made at least one week in advance of the session, even as a member.

Schedule

February 17—“Carrying Independence” by Karen A. Chase

The Continental Congress hires Post rider Nathaniel Marten to carry the Declaration of Independence to collect the crucial final signatures on the document that will unite the 13 colonies.

Location: Kemin Cultivation Center, 11121 Hickman

April 21—“The Last Runaway” by Tracy Chevalier

The award-winning author of “Girl With a Pearl Earring” sets this novel in 1850 Ohio, where Honor Bright is a Quaker newly arrived from England. She endures family tragedy and a harsh frontier and is drawn into the Underground Railroad.

Location: Learning Center, 11121 Hickman Rd

June 16—“O Pioneers!” by Willa Cather

This beloved novel of the Nebraska frontier tells the stories of Swedish, Czech, Bohemian, and French immigrants. The land is as much a character as the people in Cather’s uniquely American epic.

Location: Learning Center, 11121 Hickman Rd

August 18—“What the Lady Wants: A Novel of Marshall Field and the Gilded Age” by Renee Rosen

On the night of the Great Chicago Fire, 17-year-old Delia watches the flames consume her world. She meets Marshall Field, the man who will lead the way in rebuilding the city that is to become the gleaming White City of the 1893 World’s Fair.

Location: Learning Center, 11121 Hickman Rd

October 20—Doc: A Novel by Mary Doria Russell

Southern gentleman Dr. John Henry Holliday heads to the dry, sunny West in hopes of restoring his health. With few job prospects, “Doc” Holliday becomes a professional gambler and forges an unlikely friendship with fearless lawman Wyatt Earp.

Location: Learning Center, 11121 Hickman Rd

November 17—Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

For the holiday season we’ve chosen this children’s classic from 1935 as a quick read. Brave, spirited Caddie is based on the life and memories of the author’s grandmother.

Location: Learning Center, 11121 Hickman Rd

AMERICA 250 BOOK CLUB

Registration is $12 per session, or free for Living History Farms members.

Sessions take place on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Select each date and time you want to attend.  Registrations must be made at least one week in advance of the session, even as a member.

A read and discuss group looking at the beginnings of America during the revolutionary period focusing on the people and documents that shaped our American experiences.  Secondary authors will provide context and insight into the time period and primary works will provide perspectives on the ideals of people of that era and how those ideas have evolved into our own time.

Readers should plan on obtaining their own copies of secondary works, but a copy of primary documents will be provided by LHF. Readers are encouraged to come to discussions even when they were not able to entirely complete the works.

Schedule

November 20—“1776” by David McCullough

With excerpts from Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

Location: Murray Conference Center, 12234 Douglas Pkwy

January 22—“American Scripture” by Pauline Maier

With the Declaration of Independence

Location: Murray Conference Center, 12234 Douglas Pkwy

March 26—“Hidden Stories of the American Revolution” by Annette Phillips

With primary letters and excerpts from period writings

Location: Kemin Cultivation Center, 11121 Hickman

May 21—“Summer of 1787” by David Stewart

With excerpts from the Federalist Papers

Location: Learning Center, 11121 Hickman Rd

July 16—“People’s Guide to the Constitution” by Dave Kluge

With the U.S. Constitution

Location: Learning Center, 11121 Hickman Rd

August 11—“1776” by David McCullough (repeat)

With excerpts from Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

Location: Murray Conference Center, 12234 Douglas Pkwy

YOUTH BOOK CLUB

Takes place on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. For ages 8–12.

$12 per session, or free for Living History Farms members.

Participants must be accompanied by an adult. Adult is free.

Schedule

June 27—“I Survived the American Revolution, 1776” by Lauren Tarshis

As 11-year-old Nathaniel Fox flees his cruel uncle, he ends up in the middle of the Revolutionary War on the brink of the biggest battle yet.

July 25—“Sybil Ludington: Revolutionary War Rider” by E.F. Abbott

A brave 16-year-old girl’s midnight ride makes her a hero of the American Revolution (based on a true story). 

August 22—“Revolutionary Heroes” by Pat Williams

Meet ordinary people who took tremendous risks to follow their convictions and shape a new country.

TO REGISTER

Non-members may purchase as guest or create an account.

Members must create an account in order to receive the member price.

Step 1: Log In / Create Account

We have a new ticketing system!  Everyone will need to create a new account.

• Click “Log In”
• Click on “Register” tab
• Do not select “I am a member”—the system will recognize your membership automatically
• Enter your last name and the email address associated with your membership
• Follow the instructions sent to your email

Step 2: Return to this page and click the appropriate purchase button.

You will receive an email confirming your purchase.
If you require assistance, please contact the registrar at 515-278-5286 or email registrar@lhf.org.
We strongly encourage you to read our Cancellation Policy. You will be prompted to agree to the policy to complete your order.