People of the Woodlands: Wisconsin Indian Ways

Stories of native peoples living in these woodlands through
the Fur Trade Era are revealed here. Take the opportunity
to investigate the science of archaeology.

Symbolic Petition
of Chippewa Chiefs,
presented at
Washington,
January 28, 1849,
headed by
Oshcabawis of
Monomonecau, Wis.

First Settlers
Envision the basic needs for food and shelter as you survey the Paleo Indians of 9500 - 8000 B.C. to the Late Woodland Indians of 1000 - 1650 A.D. Indian nations living in Wisconsin today are also represented. Enter a replica Aztalan House to imagine family life in 1100 - 1300 A.D. in what is now Jefferson County on the banks of the Crawfish River.

Archaeology : Clues Remain in the Ground
Examine the scientific process of digging in the earth to recover items lost, buried, or thrown away. Learn more about the lives of people who left no written records. Study the cross section of a Wisconsin farm family's trash dump. Look for clues to help date the artifacts and understand how this family lived.

Era of Exchange
Compare trade goods from the 18th and 19th centuries when French, British, and Americans came to the Wisconsin area to trade European goods for Native Americans' furs, to preach to them, and to explore and settle the land.

The Busy Year: Wisconsin Indian Life 1800s - 1900s
Imagine fishing, maple sugaring, gardening, and wild ricing as some of the many skilled seasonal activities portrayed here.