William Nąąwącekǧize Quackenbush

Ho-Chunk 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, Quackenbush became the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Ho-Chunk Nation, spearheading the creation of the Nation's THPO program to address tribal preservation needs. Since 2006, Quackenbush has served as both the THPO and the Ho-Chunk Nation Heritage Preservation Department & Cultural Resources Division Manager.

Quackenbush 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 encompass 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 – what we now know as the beloved Driftless Area. 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 now find ourselves experiencing. Listen in as the Ho-Chunk Nation's Tribal Historic Preservation Officer answers the question of 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.

Dr. Adams will present "Weathering Times of Change: How Museums Can Serve Their Communities." 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.

Conference Welcome Social Hour

Sauk County Historical Museum, Van Orden Mansion | 531 4th Avenue, Baraboo, WI

Wednesday, October 15 | 5 – 6 PM

Join us for an evening of camaraderie and connection with fellow enthusiasts of public history and historic preservation, hosted by the Sauk County Historical Society and Wisconsin Council for Local History. Whether you're new to these fields or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome to relax and bond over shared stories. Enjoy light refreshments at the 1903 Van Orden Mansion, home to the Sauk County Historical Society since 1938, as you make new connections with like-minded folks from around the region. It's a great chance for emerging professionals to sharpen their networking skills and learn from seasoned veterans in a social environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow your network and enhance your conference experience!

All attendees are welcome and encouraged to join and connect.