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MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Historical Society is pleased to welcome Dr. Amy Rosebrough to the position of state archaeologist. Rosebrough has been with the Society since 2001, first serving as a staff archaeologist and most recently serving as the interim state archaeologist. Her first day in the new role was Monday, October 9, 2023.

Rosebrough has substantial experience in Wisconsin’s and the Midwestern United States’ archaeology scene and her work has spanned public, private and educational sectors of archaeology, including within the Wisconsin Archeological Society and Archaeological Research, Inc. (ARI). Rosebrough is regarded as one of the top experts on Wisconsin’s effigy mounds, cultivating her expertise through a commitment to continuous field work as well as the development of her doctoral dissertation titled “Every Family a Nation” and co-authoring the book “Indian Mounds of Wisconsin.” She is also an active educator, giving frequent talks and presentations to share her archaeological knowledge with people of all ages.

“Amy has contributed to the study of Wisconsin’s archaeology for decades and is a steadfast advocate for the importance of this work and the stories it can help to uncover and share,” said Daina Penkiunas, State Historic Preservation Officer for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “We look forward to her continued sharing of this knowledge and expertise not just with her colleagues at the Wisconsin Historical Society, but also with our broad citizen constituency and the professional archaeology community.”

Rosebrough holds a bachelor’s degree in antiquities from Missouri State University, a master’s in anthropology from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and a master’s degree and PhD in anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

As the state archaeologist, Rosebrough will lead the Archaeology Program in the State Historic Preservation Office which provides an array of public services including maintenance of state archaeological site records, protection of archaeological sites on state and public lands, administration of property tax exemptions for archaeological sites, public education and outreach, collection and dissemination of archaeological research, and the provision of federal historic preservation grants. Rosebrough is currently spearheading the Wisconsin Lost Coastal Community Project through grants with the Coastal Management Program.

About the 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 wisconsinhistory.org.