For Immediate Release 

Contact: Kara O’Keeffe 
608-261-9596
kara.okeeffe@wisconsinhistory.org 


June 27, 2019

New Exhibit “Wiigwaazii: The Evolving Traditions of Birch” at Madeline Island Museum

La Pointe, Wis.  – Visit the Madeline Island Museum this summer to view the special exhibit, “Wiigwaazii: The Evolving Traditions of Birch Exhibit” which will be on display during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

“This exhibit is a great way for guests to discover the evolution and multitude of uses for birch bark,” said Keldi Merton, Madeline Island Museum site director for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Guests will view historic items from the Museum’s collections as well as the complex, detailed works of art presented by Pat Kruse and his apprentice, Terri Hom at the exhibit.”

For the Anishinaabe, also known as the Ojibwe, the birch tree is the Tree of Life, vital to their survival and their culture.  Even the word Ojibwe is thought to come from the word “ozhibii’ige,” meaning, “to write,” referring to inscriptions on birch scrolls and books. Used for baskets, homes, transportation, food and medicine, the birch tree has been deeply rooted in Ojibwe life.

The Madeline Island Museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. General admission is $10.00 (adults), $8.00 (seniors 65+), $5.00 (children 5-12) and Free (children under 5).

For more information visit madelineislandmuseum.org.

About Madeline Island Museum
Founded in 1958 the Madeline Island Museum tells the story of Madeline Island and the surrounding region. Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society since in 1969, the Madeline Island Museum is located in La Pointe, Wisconsin. The museum is open seven days a week, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Fourth of July until Labor Day.  The Museum is located a half block from the ferry dock. Visit www.madelineislandmuseum.org or call 715-747-2415 for more information.

About Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.

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