by Chloe Ellefson
from the Chloe Ellefson Mystery series by Kathleen Ernst
At least I hope you're having a happy spring. When you work at a huge historic site, as I do, spring can be a killer.
I've been curator of collections at Old World Wisconsin, an outdoor ethnic museum, for about a year now. Old World is a living history museum, where interpreters go about the daily activities Wisconsin's early immigrants pursued.
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The Pedersen Farm (Danish) |
The museum includes ten working farms and a crossroads village, all nestled on 576 acres within a state forest. It's a beautiful place, and the stories we tell there have relevance for everyone with an immigrant on their family tree. For the most part, I love my job.
All of the historic structures were moved to the site, and restored to periods from 1845 - 1915. As curator of collections, I'm responsible for thousands of artifacts---some that furnish the buildings, and some in storage.
Old World Wisconsin is closed during the winter, so getting all of the buildings open and ready for visitors is a
huge job. I help train the interpreters and plan educational programs, too. And I do it all while trying to minimize contact with my boss, site director Ralph Petty. Let's just say we don't get along.
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The Surveyors' House, De Smet, SD |
I do get away from my own site from time to time. Most recently my sister Kari and I took a road trip to visit every homesite dedicated to Laura Ingalls Wilder.
I was speaking at a symposium about the famous author, and trying to authenticate a quilt believed to have been owned by Laura herself. A murderer was traveling the same route, and Kari had big problems I didn't know about, so the trip was a
bit more stressful than I'd hoped. But things turned out OK in the end.
I grew up in the oh-so-Norwegian town of Stoughton, WI. Both of my parents are of pure Norwegian-American stock, and Mom in particular makes a huge deal of it. So I would be remiss if I didn't point out that today is
Syttende Mai---Norwegian Constitution Day.
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Children's Parade, Oslo, Norway (Wikipedia) |
I'm taking my guy, cop Roelke McKenna, to a celebration at my folk's place. Roelke's a good sport about such things.
If you're ever in the area, stop by Old World Wisconsin for a visit! I guarantee you'll love it. And if you can't get there in person...well, you can always read about some of my adventures.
***
Kathleen Ernst is the author of over thirty books, including the Chloe Ellefson Mysteries, mysteries for young readers, historical fiction, and two nonfiction books. Before becoming a full time writer she worked as a curator at Old World Wisconsin.
Kathleen is celebrating her first post at Killer Characters with a GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment here and you will be entered to win a Chloe Ellefson mystery---winner's choice of title. The drawing will take place on Thursday, May 19th. Be sure to leave your email, or check back then.
Visit Kathleen at www.kathleenernst.com or https://www.facebook.com/kathleenernst.author
Welcome to Killer Characters! And thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletekaren(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com
Glad to be here!
DeleteI am looking forward to checking out Chloe's stomping grounds on Rock Island over Memorial Day weekend :-)
DeleteWhat fun! I always enjoy being introduced to a new artist!
DeleteThanks, Laureen!
DeleteFascinating post - and a new-to-me author! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletesallycootie@gmail.com
Good to meet you!
DeleteInteresting post. It must be fun working in a museum.
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon(.)net
Sandy, it was great fun to work at such a special place. I started the mystery series because I missed it so much!
DeleteInteresting post. I once worked in museums.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
Hi, Debby. Where did you work?
DeleteThanks for the chance to win a Chloe Ellefson mystery!
ReplyDeleteskkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
My pleasure!
DeleteWelcome! It's such a treat to spend time with so many artifacts--it makes history come alive.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheila! I keep thinking there should be a museum-themed panel at Malice Domestic some time. Wouldn't that be fun?
DeleteWelcome to Killer Characters! I love those Chloe mysteries.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Thanks, Sue!
DeleteWelcome! Thanks for this lovely feature and giveaway which I would enjoy greatly. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks, and good luck!
DeleteThis is such an interesting post. Welcome and best wishes. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the welcome!
DeleteI am looking forward to your latest Chloe Ellefson book! Thank you for a chance to win and congrats on your first post! Doodlesink@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteKristina, it was great fun to write a Laura Ingalls Wilder-themed book. She remains a favorite!
DeleteThank you for the chance! I do hope I win your book! It sounds awesome. Donamaekutska7@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Donamae!
DeleteThis is a new series to me. I'd love to win! lkleback@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed!
DeleteA delightful series.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Libby. Didn't we meet at OWW?
DeleteYour books are terrific! I need to read the first few to get caught up.
ReplyDeletekpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Karen, I'm so glad you've enjoyed some of them!
ReplyDeleteI am going to enjoy reading your posts!
ReplyDeleteConnie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Connie! I'm glad to be here.
DeleteOh I'm pleased you have joined the group; it will be nice to become acquainted. I always enjoy your/your husband's posts. Thank you
ReplyDeletefor the opportunity to win one of your books.
maforbes231@yahoo.com
MaryAnn, I'm delighted to be here! Thanks so much.
DeleteMy dream job was to work at Old World, but the commute was too long.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, you would have been great! But I'm glad you channeled some of your love of history into your writing.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting blog, Kathleen! I am anxious to learn about the new-to-me authors. You are always so generous to your readers; thank you for this opportunity! Psssssst, dont tell anyone that I am only willing to share Roekle with Chloe! *giggles*
ReplyDeleteDianne, this is a great place to discover new-to-you mysteries! And--your secret is safe with me. :>)
DeleteWelcome to Killer Characters, Kathleen and Chloe!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Merry Lu! We're delighted to join the group.
DeleteWelcome, Kathleen. Nice getting to know Chloe. This is a new series to me, would love to read more about Chloe.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the warm welcome, Dianne!
DeleteI would love to pass on a new Chloe book to a friend. A great series
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're enjoying the series!
DeleteWe love having you come to Vesterheim! Your books have been so popular and I look forward to the next book in your series.
ReplyDeleteYou're kind! Vesterheim is one of my favorite places in the world, so it's always a pleasure to head toward Decorah.
DeleteBest series ever! Love these books!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! So glad you're enjoying them.
DeleteGood to see you here! Lately I'm loving Viroqua.
ReplyDeleteViroqua is so lovely!
DeleteI am glad Roelke got to experience a Syttende Mai celebration in Stoughton! Very happy that you can blog now, Chloe! It's nice to 'hear from you' between books! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ruth! :>)
DeleteI lived not too far from Old World for about 5 years and never visited. It must be very interesting!
ReplyDeleteElaineE246 at msn dot com
Elaine, it's a great place. Hope you can visit sometime!
DeleteWhat fun. Thank you.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Good luck, Mary!
DeleteGreat post! I love this idea. Very generous to do a giveaway, too!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure! And thanks for the warm welcome.
DeleteOld World Wisconsin is truly a fascinating place to visit. My next Chloe-related location that I want to go to is Vesterheim.
ReplyDeletejudy at gwd dot org
Judy, I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it. The museum collection is fabulous. You don't have to be Norwegian to love it!
DeleteI'm originally from the Midwest. This sounds like a fascinating book series.
ReplyDeletecjreynolds52(at)comcast(dot).net
I love writing about the Midwest. I wasn't born here, but I've lived here for 35 years and consider it home. So many wonderful places and stories to explore!
DeleteI love reading about Chloe's adventures and the history. Looking forward to Death on the Prairie!
ReplyDeleteHI Ann! And what is Inez up to lately?
DeleteThis series and author are on my TBR list. Thanks for the chance to win. doward1952@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
DeleteI read Death on the Prairie and would highly recommend it. The link to the Laura Ingalls Wilder books is a great tie in to the book's plot. I've been a "Little House" book fan for years and enjoyed the story line mystery. dbahn@iw.net
ReplyDeleteDianne, I'm so glad you enjoyed Death on the Prairie. I loved Laura's books as a child, and the writing holds up well for adult readers too. A very special series.
DeleteI'm inspired to visit Old World Wisconsin again...it's been 24 years since we were there. I enjoy experiencing the sites vicariously through your books.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad my books provide some armchair travel! I left after the 1994 season...perhaps we chatted at some point during one of your visits.
DeleteLovely photo of the Pedersen farm!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, it's always been one of my favorites.
DeleteGlad to be here and I have always loved anything about Laura Ingalls Wilder, I have visit Walnut Grove and took my granddaughter so she could experience it also Thanks for the Magnificent Books you write and a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteHow special to share Walnut Grove with your granddaughter! And thanks for the kind comments.
DeleteAnother new-to-me author to try. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
DeleteLooking forward to your future posts also! cheers@marjimmanor.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margo!
DeleteGlad to see you here, Kathleen. My husband thinks Wisconsin is the Holy Land, so it is very possible that we could visit Old Wisconsin. Sounds fascinating. I grew up just a few miles from Little Town on the Prairie, so I am looking forward to reading your newest book.
ReplyDeleteJane, I do hope you can visit my beautiful state. :>)
DeleteI have had several wonderful visits to your neck of the woods, too!
I've read all the Chloe mysteries and I'm waiting for my friend to return my copy of Death on the Prairie to read it. She's a huge history buff, and a Laura Ingall's Wilder fan so I had to let her read it first.
ReplyDeleteGlad to call you a friend and fellow author, Kathleen.
Sue Curran
Thanks, Sue! Hope your writing is steaming along.
DeleteI love mysteries! This series sounds so inviting!
ReplyDeleteozarkharness@gmail.com
Thanks, Lisa! Hope you enjoy.
DeleteHaving read the Little House on the Prairie series when I was younger, I would love to read this book and see how it ties in. Thanks for posting the book on your blog and also the giveaway. robeader53@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI hope reading the book will bring back some happy memories.
DeleteThank you for the chance to win a book! I really enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteGayle, I'm so glad you enjoy the blog! I love having a chance to share all the stories behind the stories.
DeleteCool! So far I have read the first book in the series. dalubbert(at) hot mail (dot) com Debbie
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
DeleteI've visited Old World Wisconsin and love this series. Last night I told those coming to hear me at the Lake Oswego Library in Oregon about Chole and the series. They've promised to order it in!
ReplyDeleteJane, you are as generous as you are talented!
DeleteI love Old World Wisconsin i am new to the Midwest from Calif so i enjoy all the history that i am learning i have been a little house fan for so many years....loved the story line .ptclayton2@aol.com
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the Midwest! Lots of wonderful places and stories to explore.
DeleteThis post was intriguing! Can't wait to read the book
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
DeleteI love the Chloe Ellefson mysteries - I can't wait for the next one! Old World Wisconsin is one of my favorite places. peggywrightphotography at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're enjoying the series!
DeleteI love your Chloe mysteries, have read them all. Can't wait for the next one to come out !!! Also love comments from you and your husband. I live in Stoughton and am hoping to get one of your meet-ups at a book store or library. I have asked the library here to invite you to visit our library, hope it happens !!!
ReplyDeleteDrumroll, please... And congratulations to Traveler! Your name came out of the hat as winner of the Chloe Ellefson mystery giveaway. I will contact you privately.
ReplyDeleteEveryone else - thanks for the warm welcome, and for playing along! See you next month.