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Three-Day Native American “Digging Through History” Program

Annual Three-Day Native American “Digging Through History” Program

Chautauqua-Wawasee and Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum are collaborating to offer the fourth annual series of programs that explore the local history of northeastern Indiana. The series offers three FREE programs, September 12-14. The September 12 and 13 programs are being hosted at the Syracuse Community Center, while the September 14th program will be outdoors at WACF’s Ruddell Pavilion. Each program features presenters with expert knowledge and provides an interactive environment for discussion and hands-on examination of artifacts.

Trevor Tipton presented here in 2021, and returns on Thursday, September 12, to discuss “Tools and Weapons of the Indigenous Peoples.” (6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Syracuse Community Center)

Have you ever wondered how mankind survived thousands of years ago? What animals did they hunt? How did they kill their prey? What tools were used by prehistoric man? This will be the focus of Trevor Tipton’s presentation. His artifact collection, found mostly in Noble County, will be on display. Attendees will be able to handle weapons from centuries ago.

Then, on Friday, Dr. Mark Schurr, a professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame, will speak on the topic “Archaeology of the French in Northern Indiana – Does it Exist?” (6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Syracuse Community Center)

The first historical record of the French presence in northern Indiana dates to 1679 when Réné Robert Cavalier, Sieur de Lasalle traveled along what is now the St. Joseph River to the Kankakee River using the portage in South Bend. However, the French established only one permanent settlement in the northern
Indiana (Fort Miami in what is now Ft. Wayne). Very little archaeological evidence is available about the French presence in the region. Historic records and a few site investigations show what kind of evidence we should look for if we want to document evidence of French activities in northern Indiana, including in
places like Kosciusko County.

On Saturday, September 14, seven individual activities and experts share information on what life was like back in the 1800s. (10:00 a.m. – Noon, WACF’s Ruddell Pavillion)

These include a demonstration of the Atlatl tool, flint knapping, and presentations by a 1754 French Marine, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Archaeological Division, metal detecting, and others.  With so much to see and do, this Saturday program has been incredibly popular with children and families.

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Survival of the Myaamia People

Due to last year’s overwhelming response, Chautauqua Wawasee is offering a second program to learn more about the Myaamia people and culture.  The Myaamia community is much more than just street names and artifacts. They are a vibrant contemporary people whose history has shaped many of our lives here in Indiana. Historian Cam Shriver will talk about the fight against the Myaamia nation’s removal from their Indiana homelands, and what it was like for the many families who remained in the state.

Shriver, Senior Research Associate in the Myaamia Center, works on Indigenous history, with a particular emphasis on the Myaamia experience of the last four centuries. Most recently, his research has investigated histories of colonial and Native American education and the legal and social history of Myaamia allotments.

Shriver’s scholarly research emerged from ongoing conversations with the community and the Miami Tribe’s Cultural Resources Office. In addition to various courses in early American history, Shriver frequently teaches “Introduction to the Miami Tribe” at Miami University, and he will be sharing his knowledge with us this coming September!

This Saturday program runs from 10:00 am until noon outdoors at WACF’s Ruddell Pavilion south of Syracuse at 11586 N. SR 13.  This is a FREE Event.

WHEN: Sept. 7th – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: WACF Ruddell Pavilion – 11586 N. State Road 13, Syracuse

COST: FREE TO ATTEND!

Follow us on Facebook, or call us at 574-377-7543 for more information! 

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Northeastern Indiana Digging Through History-Day 3-Multiple Speakers

Northeastern Indiana Digging Through History-Day 3-Multiple Speakers

 

Bring Your Own Artifact Led by Jim Bickel & Michelle Edington

Do you have an old artifact that you aren’t sure what it is or when/where it originated? Jim and Michelle are available to examine your artifact and (hopefully) tell you all about it.

 

Five Medals Living History Led by Mike Judson

Five Medals was such an important leader in our region that an organization and an event have been named in his honor. Reenactors will have numerous artifacts to share plus excerpts from the exciting history of the 1812 era.

 

1750s French Marine Led by Joe Zdziebko

Joe Zdziebko, dressed as a 1750s French Marine will display and discuss his equipment, uniform, musket, furs, maps, etc. He will also talk about old sayings that are still used today.

 

Flintknapping Hands-on Led by Jeff Mesaros

Want to know how Native American artifacts were made by hand? Jeff Mesaros will show you how. And here’s your chance to try making one!

 

Atlatl Weapon Demonstration Led by Jamie Clemons

The atlatl was a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in dart or spear-throwing, and includes a bearing surface which allows the user to store energy during the throw. Jamie will be demonstrating types from around the nation and let you participate with samples. You can try it too!

 

Metal Detecting in Archaeology Led by Angie Butler

Metal detectors can play a key role in discovering historical artifacts. You’ll be amazed at the display of items found under the waters of Lake Wawasee and along its shoreline.

You may reserve your spot by registering HERE.

Date and time:

Saturday, September 2 · 10am – 12pm EDT

Location:
Wawasee Area Conservancy 11586 Indiana 13 Syracuse, IN 46567
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Dominique Rousseau: 1st Permanent White Resident of Kosciusko County

Dominique Rousseau: 1st Permanent White Resident of Kosciusko County

Lynn Brown’s novel Furs and Fevers is based on Rousseau’s life from 1825-1840. Why did a president of an international fur trade company make his home in Kosciusko County? What business obstacles did he overcome? Besides a reading of Chapter One to give you the feel of this person, Lynn will talk about related research principles and sources she used. Kosciusko towns and locations mentioned in the book are Leesburgh (the original spelling), Warsaw, and the Oswego location of Rousseau’s last trading post. After the presentation, questions will be welcome.

 

About the Presenter: Lynn MacKaben Brown

 

Lynn MacKaben Brown has been a Kosciusko County resident for fifty years—and became a permanent one when she married Ed Brown of the Brown/Lynch pioneer family clan. She has been published in national and international magazines for decades. She is also the author of Christmas Celebration, a devotional/activity book.

“When I brought my girls home to homeschool them, Indiana history was required. I didn’t like the textbook but, being from Wisconsin, my knowledge about Indiana’s history was limited to knowing that it was a Union state in the Civil War. While researching class materials, I came across Rousseau. I was and still am intrigued that this important man was left out of so many sources, and nothing has been named for him. I decided to rectify the situation.”

 

This event is free, however, we ask that you register HERE.

WHEN: Friday, September 1 · 6:30 – 7:30pm

WHERE: Syracuse Community Center

1013 North Long Drive Syracuse, IN 46567

 

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