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May & June Events at LeDuc (See the Events page for the full year event calendar)
	May 15 Lecture - "Preservation Is Our Legacy" Bonnie McDonald, Director of Preservation Alliance of Minnesota LeDuc Historic Estate, 7:00 p.m. May 28 2008 Tour Season Begins Wednesdays-Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sundays, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Tours Start at: 10, 11:30, 1, 2:30, & 4
	June 1 Program - "Modern Interpretations of Historic Designs" A juried competition for needle workers and crafters will be introduced on the LeDuc Historic website (www.dakotahistory.org.) Guidelines for those interested in competing will be listed with the 20 patterns chosen for interpretation.
	June 19 Exhibit Opening & Program - "Needlework Antiquities" LeDuc Historic Estate, 7:00 p.m. A crazy quilt donated by quilters from the national online Crazy Quilt List and assembled by local volunteer and historian Cindy Thury Smith will be hung. Annette Fisher & Dottie Bronowski discuss their collections.

Upcoming Events at the Lawshe Memorial Museum

February 6 Opening Day - Stargazing
13th Annual Dakota County Start Quilters Show

February 12 Lecture - Behind the Designs of Anka’s Treasures
Sponsored by the Dakota County Star Quilters
Heather Mulder Peterson makes presentations at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets required, call (952) 808-9880.

February 21 Lecture - German Emigration & Immigration
Sponsored by the Dakota County Genealogical Society
Lois Hemmeter Edwards explores tracing German ancestry at the DCGS program meeting at 7 p.m. FREE

Friends of LeDuc of Historic Hastings Meetings
Third Thursday of every month, 7 pm, LeDuc Historic Estate

LeDuc Book Group
First Thursday of every month, 6:30 pm, LeDuc Historic Estate
Through a partnership with Pleasant Hill Library in Hastings, Librarian Allan Cotter will lead the group which will meet on the first Thursday each month at LeDuc. This Business of War, William LeDuc's memoirs, is the first selection. This book is available from DCHS for $14.95 or through the Dakota County Library. For more information, call 651.437.7055 or email leduc@co.dakota.mn.us

Celebrate Your Love at the "Most Romantic House in Minnesota" Larry Millett, St. Paul Pioneer Press

Searching for a unique and memorable location for your wedding, groom's dinner, bridesmaid's luncheon, bridal shower or anniversary celebration? Be among the first to host your special event at the newly restored LeDuc Historic Estate conveniently located 20 miles from the Twin Cities on Highway 61 in Hastings. The 1860s Gothic Revival stone mansion provides a memorable setting for up to 50 guests and the picturesque grounds and porches can accommodate much larger gatherings.

Built by William and Mary LeDuc, a prominent early Minnesota family, history, architecture and nature meet in harmony at the LeDuc. Your guests will enjoy exploring this historic 15 room mansion and grounds on a guided tour, your photographs will include a truly remarkable backdrop whether taken inside our out, and your ceremony will gain an intimate feeling only the LeDuc can provide. The LeDuc was designed to invite nature indoors and the beautiful 4.5 acre site obliges - the grounds includes a strolling woods, heirloom apple orchard, grapery, peony garden, 200 year old oak trees and is near a scenic waterfalls park.

This careful attention to nature is the hallmark of one of the most influential landscape architects and designers in the country - Andrew Jackson Downing. The estate is the most intact remaining example of his work in the country and the icehouse and carriage barn are also his designs.

For information about holding your event at the Estate, call 651.437.7055, or email leduc@co.dakota.mn.us. You may also view the estate via our virtual tour at www.dakotahistory.org.