Janelle Molony here. This September, I’ll be exploring the rich history of Iowa, connections to notable pioneers, and enjoying some Rousseau family-related activities. I’d love to share the tales I have stored up on Civil War related events, the establishment of Marion County, Westward travel stories, and more! I’m still booking events, but here’s where I’ll be so far…
Sunday, Sept. 22 (Surviving the Platte River Raids)
Drake Community Library in Grinnell. 2:00pm-3:00pm. Some of the material can be uncomfortable for younger audiences. Parents, please use discretion. One of Grinnell’s pioneer women, Martha Freeman, was on the trail in 1864 when this event occurred. At that time, she was traveling WITH the family of pre-Civil War abolitionist, John Brown.
Monday, Sept. 23 (Becoming Mrs. Sarah Jane Rousseau)
Pella Public Library in Pella, 6:30-7:30pm. Family friendly content. From the cobbled streets of London… to the virgin Elm Grove Forest in Bussy, Iowa… and beyond, hear about the incredible journey of Mrs. Sarah Jane Rousseau – Iowa pioneer woman, pianoforte mistress, and sea-to-sea traveler.
*I’m also available for a daytime event/appearance (I’m particularly interested in school visits). Please contact me to book.
Thursday, Sept. 26 (Journey Back on the Old Oregon Trail)
Knoxville Public Library in Knoxville, 6:00-7:00pm. Family friendly content. What was it like to be on the trail for month after month? How did people maintain a sense of normalcy? What did the kids do? And how did they accomodate a traveler in a wheelchair? Come learn as a family, laugh, ask questions, and see the story come to life. *Usually presented in period costume.
Friday, Sept. 27 (TBD)
Available for an daytime or evening event/appearance. Please use the contact form to reach out.
Saturday, Sept. 28 (Wyatt Earp Festival, Pella Historical Village)
Special performance with the Pella Historical Society + Book Signing. Event runs 10am-4pm. Come enjoy a completely unique stage performance with period award-winning storyteller and re-enactor… and a surprise guest artist appearance (hint: it might be a Nicholas Earp look-alike).
Saturday, Sept. 28 (Reading & Book Signing)
Book reading & signing at The Curiosity Shop in the Pella Historical Village. *Reading selection & discussion will be from The 1864 Diary of Mrs. Sarah Jane Rousseau.
Sunday, Sept. 29 (Reading & Book Signing)
Book reading & signing at The Book Vault in Oskaloosa. *Reading selection & discussion will be from Emigrant Tales of the Platte River Raids.
For Elementary, Middle & High Schools
During the weekdays, I’d like to take students on a Westward adventure from Pella to Southern California through the eyes of my 3rd great-grandmother Sarah Jane Rousseau. The Rousseaus settled in Marion County in 1845 and Dr. James Rousseau was the government land surveyor who mapped out the county… and the civil engineer who laid out at least six towns/cities (incl. Knoxville and Pella and Rousseau). Mrs. Rousseau was a pianoforte instructor – privately educated by Beethoven’s right-hand man, Ferdinand Ries (as made popular on Netflix’ Bridgerton).
The Rousseaus left Marion Co. in 1864 in a covered wagon train led by Wyatt Earp’s father, Nicholas Earp. Other notable pioneering families in this company included Rev. Israel Curtis’ and John Hamilton Jr.’s. The educational presentation I’m proposing to share with your students is 40 minutes (+Q/A and other interactions) and has been carefully curated to be PG-rated and promote positive outlooks on travel experiences. It shows pioneers behaving with integrity, overcoming challenges, and showing respect for the tribal communities they encounter. The content is interactive so students can remain engaged by keeping track of details “along the way” and it ties in gentle elements of science/chemistry, physics, math, and U.S. geography.
The related book, The 1864 Diary of Mrs. Sarah Jane Rousseau, has begun to be incorporated into student curriculums as a supplement for Westward Expansion studies in other states and I would love to see a similar response in Iowa – especially considering the local connection to these important pioneers.
*Schools are eligible for a DISCOUNTED RATE on the book. Please inquire here and purchase at least 3 weeks ahead of the event so copies can be made available to students onsite. (Minimum order to receive the discount: 10 books)
