Events
Events are subject to change. Please check back frequently.
2026 THEME: THE BIG PICTURE
The Historic Indian Agency House is a site of national significance. Its story is intertwined with the broader contours of America's past. A higher vantage point can help us perceive the connections which bind people and events across time and space, revealing that there is much more to the story as we survey the historical panorama.
Calendar of Events
Our season 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. Docent-guided tours are FREE. A donation is always appreciated.
Opening Day:
2025 Season
Friday, May 15
10 am to 4 pm
The Historical Timekeepers will be on-site adding "living history" ambiance to the physical setting of your tour. Free event.
Living History
Tours
Sat-Sun, May 30-31
10 to 4 Sat | 12 to 3 Sun
Kids ages 5-10 will have a blast learning hands-on as they journey back in time! Each child also gets a free backpack loaded with 'Big Picture' themed materials. Pre-registration is required. Free event.
Workshop Details & Pre-registration
3rd Annual Youth
Backpack Workshop
Saturday, June 6
Time TBA (Rain date: June 7)
Now What: US Politics After the Founding, 1790s-1820s. Dr. Gabriel Loiacono is a professor of history at UW-Oshkosh. Free event.
Speaker Series #1
Dr. G. Loiacono
Tuesday, June 9
6:30 pm
Work alongside professional archaeologists. Spectating is free. To dig, a membership is required. Pre-registration for dig time(s) is recommended. Kids get a free t-shirt, too, while supplies last. (A fun activity for Father's Day weekend!)
Archaeological
Dig Weekend #1
Sat-Sun, June 13-14
10 am to 4 pm
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.
Blacksmithing
Demonstrations
Sat-Sun, June 13-14
10 am to 4 pm
Work alongside professional archaeologists. Spectating is free. To dig, a membership is required. Pre-registration for dig time(s) is recommended. Kids get a free t-shirt, too, while supplies last.
Archaeological
Dig Weekend #2
Sat-Sun, June 20-21
10 am to 4 pm
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.
Blacksmithing
Demonstrations
Sat-Sun, June 20-21
10 am to 4 pm
The Wisconsin Dells Singers & Dance Troupe of the Ho-Chunk Nation will perform at 1 pm. Indigenous artisans will exhibit their cultural arts from 10am to 4pm. Free event for the whole family.
Ho-Chunk Cultural Arts Day
Saturday, June 27
Performance at 1 pm
Ho-Chunk Basket
Weaving Workshop
Saturday, June 27
10 am to 12 pm OR 2-4 pm
Renowned Ho-Chunk basket weaver Kimberly Crowley will help you make a black ash basket of your own! Ages 14-adult. Choose 10am-12pm or 2-4pm. Pre-register as time slots fill up quickly!
Speaker Series #2
Dr. Heather Walder
Tuesday, July 14
6:30 pm
Large Scale Indigenous Trade Networks in the Great Lakes Region. Dr. Heather Walder is a professor of archaeology and anthropology at UW-La Crosse. Free event.
Enduring Skills
Weekend
Sat-Sun, July 25-26
10 to 4 Sat | 12 to 3 Sun
Back for a sixth year with fantastic hands-on experiences! Try your own hand at over 2 dozen historical skills (including brand new stations + some favorite standbys) for ages five through adult. Free event.
Métis Families of the Portage. Dr. Patrick Jung is a professor of history and anthropology at Milwaukee School of Engineering. Free event.
Speaker Series #3
Dr. Patrick Jung
Tuesday, August 11
6:30 pm
Speaker Series #4
Dr. John W. Hall
Tuesday, September 8
6:30 pm
The Big Picture of Jacksonian Indian Policy. Dr. John Hall is an Ambrose-Hesseltine Professor of U.S. Military History at UW-Madison. Free event.
Details coming soon as The Galena Living History Society is planning a tailor-made living history event for us! The special tours begin in the visitor center from 10-12 & 1-3. Free event.
Big Picture
Living History
Saturday, September 19
10 to 4
This season is dedicated in memory of...
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and in honor of...
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Thank you to those who are making this season's programming, exhibits, and preservation endeavors possible:
Grantors:
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Business Sponsors:
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...and all of you who help us meet our essential operational needs through your steadfast financial partnership.