About Us
Founding Members of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society
Within weeks of Laura Ingalls Wilder's passing in 1957; Alice Kirchmeier, Aubrey Sherwood and Vera McCaskell founded the society in dedication to preserve and restore Ingalls-Wilder heritage in De Smet, South Dakota. Almost immediately, the group set to erect a memorial plaque to be placed on the original Ingalls Homestead. The property donated by Mr. and Mrs. Edward May was located in the northwest corner of the section where Pa's Cottonwood tree grow today. Over the next few years, buildings around De Smet were marked with plaques. Almost ten years after the foundation of the Society, the Surveyor's House was purchased and restored in 1967 and opened the following year for the public. By 1972, the house that 'Pa' built was also purchased and restored. In the years following, thousands of tourist visit the 'Little Town on the Prairie' touring the original homes. As work expanded preserving and teaching of Laura's legacy the Society has since acquired, The original First School of De Smet, a replica model of the Brewster's School, and several original Ingalls-Wilder artifacts including some of the Garth Williams illustrations of the 1950s.
As a non-profit organization, the restoration and purchase of buildings was only made possible with the work and help of local interest persons and gifts of Laura's readers from around the world.
Meet Our Senior Staff
Executive Director
Senior Museum Educator
Executive Director
Jamie Patton traveled to De Smet from a small town in Pennsylvania. As a little girl, her mother read her the books before bed. Now as an adult she reads the book with a different perspective bringing the history to visitors eyes and ears.
Assistant Director
Senior Museum Educator
Executive Director
After 19 years of dedication Dianne Mollner enjoys many aspects of working in the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder. She focuses on bringing the history of Laura and her family to life as a resident in De Smet for over 40 years.
Senior Museum Educator
Senior Museum Educator
Senior Museum Educator
Anne Aamot is the women of many titles. You can find her giving tours of the historic homes, working with school groups or creating social media content.
Beginning April 25th and through May 23rd, The Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society will be hosting several school group tours during the morning weekdays. During this time we will not be offering a 10am tour. Please call in advance for tour availability.