Mobile Museum Booth at the Midwest Horse Fair
April 17-19, 2020
***Update March 13: The Midwest Horse Fair has been canceled this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
We will have a booth set up right next to the blazing forges of the World Championship Blacksmiths Competition all weekend! The work of blacksmiths who served Native tribes through Indian Agencies in the early 19th century is a special focus.
Booth space donated by:
Presentation at the Ice Age Trail Alliance Annual Conference
Summer Speaker Series
July 7,14,21,28, 2020 | 6:30 pm
Join us every Tuesday night in July for some fascinating talks. Admission is free! Bring a lawn chair, a mask, bug spray, and eager anticipation of a wonderful evening!
July 7: Author Ann Keating (online presentation—registration
required) / You may purchase her book in our gift shop and read it ahead of time.
July 14: John Wackman: Historic-era Archaeology (outdoors)
July 21: Constance Arzigian: Prehistoric Archaeology (outdoors)
July 28: Adam Novey: Indian Agency Blacksmiths (outdoors)
Co-sponsored by:
April 25, 2020
***Update March 17: The Ice Age Trail Alliance conference has been canceled this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
We will present, “The Agency House at the Portage: Geographic Intersection, Cultural Crossroads” at the Ice Age Trail Alliance conference in Stevens Point. Situated along the Ice Age Trail at the geographically-important area of the Portage, the Historic Indian Agency House became a cultural meeting ground where perceptions were challenged and transformed.
Archaeology Kids' Camp
NOW being offered FOR FREE ONLINE!
***Update April 9: The Archaeology Kids' Camps are no longer in-person camps due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, we are now offering the camp for free online!
Children will learn hands-on what it takes to be an archaeologist. Originally, this STEM-based camp was offered to kids in grades 3 through 5 with pre-registration and a small fee required. However, our camp will now be offered for FREE online to any students, teachers, and families who are interested! The Historic Indian Agency House and Alliant Energy are committed to providing this opportunity for our community (local, national, and even worldwide) as a way to assist and support teachers and families as schools are closed during the pandemic. Please enjoy this educational opportunity with our compliments!
Sponsored by:
Opening Day / Ribbon Cutting
June 6, 2020
***Update April 9: The Opening Day Celebration date has been moved to June 6 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Take a tour of the Agency House on our first open day of the season! We will also be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony as we unveil our brand new "Crossroads" exhibit in the visitor center. Please be sure to check out our Covid-19 policies before you come for an in-person tour. We look forward to seeing you!
On-site Fundraiser
Season-long
As a fundraiser for the continued preservation of the Agency House, we are selling surplus pieces of the actual bricks that were removed from inside the Agency House's walls during its 2012 restoration. Own a piece of history, and help us preserve this valuable historic site for generations to come!
Community Archaeology Dig
July 18-19 and July 25-26
***Update May 29: This event has been re-scheduled from June to July.
Come and work alongside real archaeologists as we search for the 1830s Agency blacksmith shop. Pre-registration is strongly recommended. Reserve your dig time(s) through our archaeology dig web page.
Sponsored by:
Blacksmithing Demonstrations
July 25-26 (and hopefully July 18-19)
Live blacksmithing demonstrations are planned to coincide with our Community Archaeology Dig weekends. Explore the history and techniques of blacksmithing as we endeavor to locate and excavate the 1830s Agency blacksmith shop!
Living History Days: Civil War
August 8 and 9, 2020
This year's Civil War reenactment focuses on year 2 of the war (1862). Admission charged / free for members.
Saturday Morning Nature Walk
August 15, 2020 | 10:00 am
Our 233 acres surrounding the Agency House are a beautiful place to explore. Tony Abate, Community Conservationist with Groundswell Conservancy, will lead a guided nature walk which is sure to be a fun time of discovery. This event is free, but a donation is always appreciated.
Living History Day: 1830s
September 19, 2020
This year's theme will be home entertainment in the 1830s. Watch a melodrama and participate by booing at the bad guy and cheering for our hero, while learning how our ancestors entertained themselves. Admission charged / free for members.
Election of 1832
October 3, 2020
***Update July 3: This event has been canceled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. We hope to try again next year.
Meet the presidential candidates of the 1832 election.
Portage Center for the Arts has generously offered its facilities for this performance.
Kiddie Christmas
December 12, 2020 | 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Our 14th annual Kiddie Christmas is sure to be lots of fun! Admission is free, but a donation is appreciated.