2022 Theme: The Historic Landscape
Cultural geographer J.B. Jackson asserted that "Landscape is history made visible." That premise forms the foundation of our season theme. Investigate the historic landscape of 1832 with us from geographical, ecological, and cultural perspectives.
Thank you to Michael and Sally Connelly for making a significant portion of this season's programming and exhibitions possible in honor of NSCDA-WI president Barbara J. Meyer.
In the spotlight: Our 3 largest events of the year
Riveting speaker series lineup: June - September
Explore "The Historic Landscape" in-depth
In 2022, children who attend events at the Historic Indian Agency House will receive a free copy of Native People of Wisconsin by Patty Loew (one per family), compliments of the Madison Reading Project, while supplies last. The first event at which these important and engaging books will be available is the "A Landscape of Families" exhibit dedication on Saturday, May 14.
2022 Calendar of Events
March - May - Dates TBA
A prairie landscape surrounded the 1832 Agency House. A several-acre remnant remains. Aldo Leopold optimistically reported in 1942 on the site's potential for prairie restoration. We need many hands to help! Keep an eye on Facebook for scheduled work days.
Opportunities to Help
Historic Prairie Restoration
Beginning in March
with opportunities all season
Saturday, May 14 - 1 pm
"A Landscape of Families" outdoor exhibit grand opening
Ho-Chunk Nation singers and dancers, speakers, food, & more! The event is free.
Grand Opening Event Details
A Landscape of Families
Promotional Video
Ho-Chunk Exhibit
Dedication Event
Saturday, May 14
1 pm
Sunday. May 15 - 12 to 5 pm
Our 2022 season, themed on "The Historic Landscape," opens today. Be the first in line to enjoy an informative, engaging tour. We are open for tours Wednesday through Sunday each week through October 15.
Tours
Opening Day:
2022 Season
Sunday, May 15
1 2 to 5 pm
Sat-Sun, June 4-5 - 10 to 4
Learn about the Civil War era from the perspective of those living on the home front. Interact with skilled reenactors from the Historical Timekeepers group. This event is included in regular tour admission (member admission free). Start in the visitor center to receive your wristband.
The Historical Timekeepers
Civil War Era
Living History
Sat-Sun, June 4-5
1 0 am to 4 pm
Friday, June 10 - 6 to 8 pm
Fire-wrought dugout canoe workshop: Adults and teens are invited to help us create a fire-wrought dugout canoe using ancient methods and tools. The canoe project began last year, and we are continuing to experiment and make progress.
Canoe Workshop Details
Dugout Canoe
Workshop #1
Friday, June 10
6 to 8 pm
Saturday, June 11 - 10 am
On June 14, 1777, the USA adopted the stars-and-stripes as its official flag, which has flown as a symbol of our nation for 245 years.
Join us for the Pledge of Allegiance at the flagpole at 10:00 and receive a free tour today. Throughout the day, enjoy $3 off your gift shop purchase of $30 or more.
Flag Day
Commemoration
Saturday, June 11
10 am
Tuesday, June 14 - 6:30 pm
Juliette Kinzie: A Chronicler of Cultures on the HIstoric Landscape
Speaker: Kathe Crowley Conn
A keen observer of cultures, societal roles, & social relation-ships on the frontier, Kinzie chronicled her experiences with a special interest in the lives and relationships of those around her. FREE event.
Speaker Series Flyer
Speaker Series #1
Kathe Crowley Conn
Tuesday, June 14
6:30 pm
Friday, June 17 - 6 to 8 pm
Fire-wrought dugout canoe workshop: Adults and teens are invited to help us create a fire-wrought dugout canoe using ancient methods and tools. The canoe project began last year, and we are continuing to experiment and make progress.
Canoe Workshop Details
Dugout Canoe
Workshop #2
Friday, June 17
6 to 8 pm
Friday, June 24 - 6 to 8 pm
Fire-wrought dugout canoe workshop: Adults and teens are invited to help us create a fire-wrought dugout canoe using ancient methods and tools. The canoe project began last year, and we are continuing to experiment and make progress.
Canoe Workshop Details
Dugout Canoe
Workshop #3
Friday, June 24
6 to 8 pm
Saturday, June 25 - 9 am
Enjoy an educational walk on our site's trails led by Agency House director and curator Adam Novey. Learn about the rich and fascinating history that happened on the soil beneath your feet. Meet at the visitor center at 8:45. Children may participate if accompanied by a responsible adult. Free event.
Our Grounds and Trails
Guided
History Hike
Saturday, June 25
9 am
Friday, July 8 - 6 to 8 pm
Fire-wrought dugout canoe workshop: Adults and teens are invited to help us create a fire-wrought dugout canoe using ancient methods and tools. The canoe project began last year, and we are continuing to experiment and make progress.
Canoe Workshop Details
Dugout Canoe
Workshop #4
Friday, July 8
6 to 8 pm
Saturday, July 9 - 10:00 am
Join conservation specialist Tony Abate from Groundswell Conservancy on a riveting nature walk to explore the rebirth of our historic prairie following restoration activities in the spring. Meet at 9:45. Children may participate if accompanied by a responsible adult. Free event.
The Grounds
'Prairie Rebirth'
Guided Prairie Walk
Saturday, July 9
10 am
Tuesday, July 12 - 6:30 pm
The Old Lead Mine District: A Flash Point on the Cultural Landscape
Speaker: Tracey Lee Roberts
Native and métis peoples mined the old Upper Mississippi Lead Mine District before miners of diverse backgrounds flooded the region. The Lead District became a critical scene of conflict which touched off dramatic change. FREE event.
Speaker Series Flyer
Speaker Series #2:
Tracey Lee Roberts
Tuesday, July 12
6:30 pm
Sat-Sun, July 30-31 - 10 to 4
Enduring Skills Weekend is back with even more to try! Try your own hand at more than 20 different historical skills from flintknapping to blacksmithing, wool spinning to laundry on a washboard, Native flute making to 19th century toy-making, and so much more! Ages 5 through adult. Free event.
Enduring Skills Details
Enduring Skills
Weekend
Sat-Sun, July 30-31
10 am to 4 pm
Sat, July 30 - 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Paddle through time on the Fox River with costumed reenactors in a Voyageur canoe! Learn hands-on what it was like to be a French Voyageur during the fur trade era. Your ticket has been generously paid for by Michael & Sally Connelly, so you ride for free! (This is part of Enduring Skills Weekend.)
Canoe Trip Details/Registration
Voyageur Canoe Excursions
Saturday, July 30
11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm
Sat-Sun, July 30-31 - 10 to 4
Fundraiser: Enjoy some yummy ice cream and a cool glass of lemonade during Enduring Skills Weekend. Funds raised will contribute to the continued preservation and operation of our historic site.
Ice Cream &
Lemonade
Sat-Sun, July 30-31
10 am to 4 pm
Sat-Sun, August 6-7 - 10 to 4
Work alongside professional archaeologists as we continue our search for the 1830s blacksmith shop. Spectating is free. To participate in the dig itself, a membership is required. Pre-registration for dig time(s) is strongly recommended.
Archaeology Dig Details
Footage from 2020-2021 digs
Archaeological Dig Weekend 1
Sat-Sun, August 6-7
10 am to 4 pm
Sat-Sun, August 6-7 - 10 to 4
Come and watch a blacksmith at work. Explore the history, tools, and techniques of the trade as we endeavor to archaeologically locate the 1830s Agency blacksmith shop. Free event.
Archaeology Dig Details
Blacksmithing
Demonstrations
Sat-Sun, August 6-7
10 am to 4 pm
Tuesday, August 9 - 6:30 pm
Reading the Landscape: Aldo Leopold's Use of History
Speaker: Matt Blessing
Aldo Leopold used ecology to understand the the past. Human interaction with the land may help explain root causes of dramatic and sweeping events in human history, including those which played out right here at the portage. FREE event.
Speaker Series Flyer
Speaker Series #3
Matt Blessing
Tuesday, August 9
6:30 pm
Sat-Sun, August 6-7 - 10 to 4
Work alongside professional archaeologists as we continue our search for the 1830s blacksmith shop. Spectating is free. To participate in the dig itself, a membership is required. Pre-registration for dig time(s) is strongly recommended.
Archaeology Dig Details
Footage from 2020-2021 digs
Archaeological Dig Weekend 2
Sat-Sun, August 13-14
10 am to 4 pm
Sat-Sun, August 13-14 - 10 to 4
Come and watch a blacksmith at work. Explore the history, tools, and techniques of the trade as we endeavor to archaeologically locate the 1830s Agency blacksmith shop. Free event.
Archaeology Dig Details
Blacksmithing
Demonstrations
Sat-Sun, August 13-14
10 am to 4 pm
Tuesday, Sept. 13 - 6:30 pm
Eyewitnesses: Early Explorers of the Fox - Wisconsin Corridor
Speaker: Patrick J. Jung
Immerse yourself in the historic landscape. Dr. Jung opens up intriguing vistas featuring the people, places, and cultural complexities of centuries past from the perspectives of those who were there. FREE event.
Speaker Series Flyer
Speaker Series #4:
Patrick J. Jung
Tuesday, September 13
6:30 pm
Saturday, Sept. 17 - 10 to 4
The Galena Living History Society will depict tavern days in frontier Wisconsin. The Indian Agency House functioned as a lodging place for travelers in the mid-1800s after its days as an Indian agency. Step into living history! Start in the visitor center to receive your wristband. Regular admission (free for members).
Experience a
Frontier Tavern
Saturday, September 17
10 am to 4 pm
Tentatively September 23-25
Scouts BSA "Camping & Cultures" Weekend: Earn the entire Historic Trails Award over the weekend. Free event. Pre-registration required. Limit of 40 Scouts (plus chaperones).
Scouts Weekend Details
Pre-Register Here
Scouts BSA
Badge Weekend
Fri-Sun, Sept. 23-25
(Dates Tentative)
Saturday, Oct. 15 - 10 to 4
Free Admission Day! Celebrate with us as we commemorate the official grand opening of the Agency House as a museum 90 years ago on October 22, 1932. Today is also the final day that tours are available this season. Come out and enjoy!
Free Admission Day - 90 Years!
Saturday, October 15
10 am to 4 pm
Saturday, Nov. 5 - Time TBD
"Reflections" Join us for a community campfire with stories of remembrance on the 190th anniversary of the Ho-Chunk council at the Agency House just prior to forced expulsion the following spring. It is a time to contemplate the events that happened here and reflect on what might be learned. Free event.
"Reflections" Campfire
Saturday, November 5
(Time TBD)
Saturday, Dec. 10 - 1 to 3 pm
16th Annual Kiddie Christmas Stay tuned for details!
Kiddie Christmas Flyer
16th Annual
Kiddie Christmas
Saturday, December 10
1 to 3 pm
Saturday, Dec. 10 - 1 to 3 pm
Gift shop open: Do some holiday shopping in our gift shop.
Holiday Shopping
in gift shop
Saturday, December 10
1 to 3 pm