Events
Events are subject to change. Please check back frequently.
2023 Theme:
Cultivating Perspective: The Creative Arts of Converging Cultures
Creative arts are powerful tools of expression within cultures, offering insights into the hearts and minds of people groups. Unique styles of music, fine and decorative arts, storytelling, and dance flowed into the Fox-Wisconsin portage in 1832 as people from widely dissimilar backgrounds endeavored to live their daily lives in close quarters. In the midst of a history which is otherwise saturated with conflict and turmoil, cultural creative arts formed a rich tapestry of creative traditions which tied all people together through shared human experience.
Events at a Glance
Speaker Series Lineup
Cultural Arts Weekends in July
2023 Calendar of Events
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.
Historic Prairie
Restoration
January - May
with opportunities all season
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.
Opening Day:
2023 Season
Wednesday, May 17
10 am to 4 pm
"Common Threads" ribbon cutting -
Our special exhibit, “Common Threads,” forms the foundation through which this season’s topic is introduced. Free event.
Special Exhibit
Opening
Saturday, May 20
9 am
The Historical Timekeepers will be on-site adding "living history" ambiance to the physical setting of your tour. Included in regular tour admission (members free). Start in the visitor center.
Civil War Era
Living History
Sat-Sun, June 3-4
10 to 4 Sat | 11 to 3 Sun
Ho-Chunk Creative Arts in Cultural Context. Josephine Lee is the Director of the Ho-Chunk Nation Museum and Cultural Center. Free event.
Speaker Series #1
Josephine Lee
Tuesday, June 13
6:30 pm
Speaker Series #2
Alphonso Simpson
Tuesday, July 11
6:30 pm
Hand in Hand: Music and Storytelling in the African American Community. Dr. Alphonso Simpson is the African American Studies Chair at UW-Oshkosh. Free event.
Demonstrations & hands-on exper-iences. Captivating performance by the Wisconsin Dells Singers & Dancers of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Co-Hosted by the Ho-Chunk Museum & Cultural Center. Free event.
Indigenous
Cultural Arts Day
Saturday, July 15
10 am to 4 pm
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Demonstrations & hands-on exper-iences. Dynamic Métis step dancing performance by Danielle Enblom of The Step Collective. Lively French-Métis fiddling concert by Pierre Pleau. Free event.
French - Métis
Cultural Arts Day
Saturday, July 22
10 am to 4 pm
Back for a third year with fantastic hands-on experiences! Try your own hand at more than 20 historical skills and arts. Enjoy a unique concert by Salty Strings Music Ministry on Sunday, too. Free event.
Enduring Skills:
Cultural Arts Edition
Sat-Sun, July 29-30
10 to 4 Sat | 11 to 3 Sun
Work alongside professional archaeologists. Spectating is free. To participate in the dig itself, a membership is required. Pre-registration for dig time(s) is strongly recommended.
Archaeological
Dig Weekend #1
Sat-Sun, August 5-6
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 event.
Blacksmithing
Demonstrations
Sat-Sun, August 5-6
10 am to 4 pm
Work alongside professional archaeologists. Spectating is free. To participate in the dig itself, a membership is required. Pre-registration for dig time(s) is strongly recommended.
Archaeological
Dig Weekend #2
Sat-Sun, August 12-13
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 event.
Blacksmithing
Demonstrations
Sat-Sun, August 12-13
10 am to 4 pm
Speaker Series #3
Sumpter Priddy III
Tuesday, August 22
6:30 pm
American Fancy: The Cultural Phenomenon of Exuberance in the Decorative Arts, 1790-1840. Sumpter Priddy III is a groundbreaking researcher and author in the field of American decorative arts. Mr. Priddy operates a widely-recognized gallery in Alexandria, Virginia. Free event.
Adults and teens are invited to help us create a fire-wrought dugout canoe using ancient methods and tools. The canoe project began in 2021 and we are continuing to experiment and make progress.
Dugout Canoe
Workshop #1
Friday, September 1
5 to 7 pm
Adults and teens are invited to help us create a fire-wrought dugout canoe using ancient methods and tools. The canoe project began in 2021 and we are continuing to experiment and make progress.
Dugout Canoe
Workshop #2
Friday, September 8
5 to 7 pm
Scouts BSA Historic
Trails Weekend
Fri-Sun, Sept 8-10
Speaker Series #4
Mary Antoine
Tuesday, September 12
6:30 pm
French-Canadian Pièce sur Pièce Architecture and Heritage in Wisconsin. Mary Elise Antoine is a historian, author, and French Heritage Corridor WI Representative. Free event.
The Galena Living History Society will highlight "Everyday Elegance in 1832" — cultural artistic expressions within the 'everyday.' Tours begin in visitor center 10-12 and 1-3. Regular admission (free for members).
Everyday Elegance
in 1832: Liv. History
Saturday, September 16
10 am to 4 pm
Adults and teens are invited to help us create a fire-wrought dugout canoe using ancient methods and tools. The canoe project began in 2021 and we are continuing to experiment and make progress.
Dugout Canoe
Workshop #3
Friday, September 22
5 to 7 pm
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Venture into intriguing areas of the Agency House that are not seen during regular tours. Investigate nooks and crannies that have fascinating stories to tell. Pre-register to reserve your place for this "History Beneath the Surface" FUNDRAISER TOUR.
This Mysterious
Old House Live Tour
Saturday, September 23
10 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm, 2:30 pm
LiveTour
Can't make the in-person event? Join us online instead! Gain exclusive virtual access with a pre-recorded tour and live Q&A afterwards. Pre-register to receive a link to participate in this "History Beneath the Surface" FUNDRAISER TOUR.
Mysterious Old
House Virtual Tour
Saturday, September 30
6 pm
Virtual Tour
Drop in with your kids (ages 5-12) to pick up a Christmas goodie bag with crafts and treats to enjoy with your family at home.
17th Annual
Kiddie Christmas
Saturday, December 9
Drop in between 1 and 3 pm
Holiday Shopping
in Gift Shop
Saturday, December 9
1 to 3 pm
Thank you to those who have made this season's programming possible:
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Major season sponsor: The Chipstone Foundation in memory of Colonial Dame Polly Stone.
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General Engineering Company
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Community Foundation of South Central Wisconsin
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Myrtle Fund - William O'Connor and Krista Roys
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Kohler Foundation
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Brakebush Family Foundation
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George L.N. Meyer Foundation
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The Historical Timekeepers
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Thomas and Lynnan Casper
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Ho-Chunk Nation Museum & Cultural Center
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Museum at the Portage
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City of Portage / Portage Tourism
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Alliant Energy Foundation
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C.S. Besadny Conservation Fund of the Wisconsin Natural Resources Foundation
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...and all of you who help us meet our essential operational needs through your steadfast financial partnership
Special contributions have been made to dedicate this season in memory of Mary Louise Banzhaf, Edward (Ted) Rebholz, Dr. Marilynn Baxter, Olive (Cissy) Bryson, Polly Stone, George L.N. Meyer; and in honor of Barbara (Bobbie) Collings, Dr. Anne Vravick, Thomas & Lynnan Casper, and Adam N.