Hands-on learning & discovery for all ages
Many historical skills and techniques would be lost to time were it not for those who continue to practice and research them to this day. Try your own hand at an exciting sampling of skills that have endured through the centuries or have been re-created through research and experimentation. We have a fantastic lineup of Enduring Skills stations for adults and kids ages 5 and up, including several new ones each year. This year, Enduring Skills is also included as one of four Cultural Arts Days events.
Bring your family and friends and make a whole day...or weekend...of it!
Back for a 3rd year with several new stations!
Live Musical Performance By
Sunday, July 30
1:00 pm
Free Admission Compliments of
Among the culturally creative sounds at the Fox-Wisconsin portage in 1832 were the afternoon "musicals" held at the Agency House, home of Indian sub-agent John Kinzie and his wife Juliette. Music was such an important part of Juliette's life that she had her Nunns & Clark piano hauled by boat / canoe—even over rapids—all the way from the East coast to her new home in frontier Wisconsin. John Kinzie played the fiddle. Euro-American style folk music and social dance tunes would have been in their repertoire, and as Juliette's Christian faith was precious to her, many a hymn would have been played on that Nunns & Clark.
John and Connie Nicholas will perform some of the same songs that likely filled the Kinzie home nearly 200 years ago. Their singing is accompanied by the unique sounds of a fascinating variety of historical instruments. Come and enjoy!
Enduring Skills Stations at a Glance
Now's your chance to try it yourself!
Saturday
-
Native American-style flute making
-
Flintknapping
-
Norwegian spoon chip carving / soap carving
-
Ancient cordmarked pottery
-
Tavern games (19th century cards/dice)(Sat. only)
-
Wool spinning on Dodec spinning wheel
-
Historic outdoor games (graces, hoop rolling)
-
19th century toy-making (kids' make & take)
-
Fire-wrought dugout canoe making
-
Historic fire-starting methods (flint & steel, etc.)
-
Frontier laundry (washboard, tub, clothesline)
-
Weaving for kids
-
Civil War military camp life
-
More in the works - check back soon
Sunday
-
Wool spinning on Dodec spinning wheel
-
Frontier laundry (washboard, tub, clothesline)
-
Weaving for kids
-
Civil War military camp life
-
19th century toy-making (kids' make & take)
-
Native American-style flute making
-
Flintknapping
-
Norwegian spoon chip carving / soap carving
-
Ancient cordmarked pottery
-
Historic outdoor games (graces, hoop rolling)
-
Fire-wrought dugout canoe making
-
Historic fire-starting methods (flint & steel, etc.)
-
Salty Strings musical performance (Sun. only)
-
More in the works - check back soon
The event is a "go" rain or shine as most stations are under open-sided tents.
This section is under construction. Check back frequently as many stations will be added!