William "Nąąwącekǧize" Quackenbush

Deer Clan Tribal Member
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Cultural Resources Division Manager
Ho-Chunk Nation

William “Nąąwącekǧize” Quackenbush began a career in the Ho-Chunk Nation Heritage Preservation Department in 1999 as a land specialist focusing on realty, land-into-trust applications, and cultural and natural resource management. In 2004, the Cultural Resources Division requested for William to be transferred to become the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Ho-Chunk Nation, who was at that time creating their Ho-Chunk Nation THPO program to address tribal preservation needs. William has served as the Ho-Chunk Nation's THPO since 2006. In 2006, William also was named the Ho-Chunk Nation Heritage Preservation Department - Cultural Resources Division Manager.

William will present "Indigenous Oral History – Is It Relevant Today?" The oral history of the Ho-Chunk People reflects upon a direct connection to their ancestral territories which encompasses much of Wisconsin as we know it today. Stories referring to the last glacial episode speak of the Ho-Chunk residing in what they referred to as a place of refuge – that being the beloved driftless area as we refer to it today. As the glaciers receded to the north, the Ho-Chunk orally memorialized the environmental change taking place and how they adapted to the environment we find ourselves experiencing today. Listen in as the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Tribal Historic Preservation Officer answers the question on how relevant of a role - if any - indigenous oral history plays in the 21st century.

Melanie Adams

Director
Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

Melanie A. Adams, PhD, currently serves as the Roger Ferguson and Annette Nazareth Director of the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum. Before joining the Smithsonian, Dr. Adams served as the Deputy Director for Learning Initiatives at the Minnesota Historical Society, overseeing the state's 26 historic sites. Prior to Minnesota, she spent 12 years at the Missouri Historical Society as the Managing Director for Community Education and Events. Dr. Adams is an active member of the museum community. She currently serves on the board of Museum Hue and served on the board of the American Association for State and Local History and the Association of Midwest Museums.

Melanie will present "Weathering Times of Change: How Museums can Serve their Community." In today's rapidly changing environment, museums are at a crossroads as they try to navigate the cultural landscape in their community. There are many common issues such as audience development, fundraising, and how content is interpreted and shared. This keynote will be a conversation that addresses these issues as well as how museums can set themselves up for success and serve the needs of their community.