About the Event
Artist Visit & Talk
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Baapaagimaak: Black Ash Tree Basketmaking with April Stone Exhibit
Friday, July 4 - Sunday, August 3, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
COST
Adults (18-64): $10
Teen (13-17): $10
Senior (65+): $8
Child (5-12): $5
Child Under 5: Free
Included with general admission.
Society members receive free general admission, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.
Overview
For Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe Tribal Member April Stone, sustainably harvesting black ash is crucial to both her artistry and her livelihood—now, you can hear her speak on black ash crafting at Madeline Island Museum. During a special appearance, Stone will share her insights on Ojibwe artistry, the battle to responsibly pursue black ash craftsmanship despite threats from invasive species and climate change, and a larger message of healing Mother Earth in order to continue connecting with communities in the Lake Superior region. Stone will also lead a black ash weaving demonstration.
In addition to the talk, Stone’s work, including a traditional black ash casket, will be on display at Madeline Island Museum from July 4 to August 3. Don’t miss this opportunity to also explore the one-of-a-kind temporary exhibit, Passages, which tells the story of the Ojibwe migration to the place where food grows on the water.
Stone’s exhibit, Baapaagimaak: Black Ash Tree Basketmaking is part of a larger Ojibwe artist series, Mitigonaabe Geniwenimaad Mitigoon: The Spirit Who Takes Care of the Trees. Attend all three artist talks
and their exhibits throughout the summer to learn more about Ojibwe culture and craftsmanship:
Aagimaak: Ash Trees and Lacrosse Sticks with Joseph Gokee
Wiigwaasaatig: Birchbark Tree Artistry with Nathan Gordon
About the Location
Bella and Leo Capser opened the Madeline Island Museum in 1958. Their original collection of artifacts and texts has helped document centuries of island history, while later additions and expansions to the museum paint an even richer, deeper portrait of life on the Apostle Islands. The Ojibwe and other tribes made their home on Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands, for thousands of years before Europeans first made contact—in Ojibwe, the island is named Mooningwanekaaning-minis, which means island of the yellow-breasted woodpecker. Because of its strategic location and ample resources, the island served as a trading center for millennia and later a French fur trading post, missionary headquarters and commercial fishing zone for European settlers in the North American interior that continues today for State and Tribal fishermen.
Know Before You Go & Accessibility
The museum store is open during operating hours.
Restrooms and water fountains are available on site.
The site will remain open rain or shine, except on a gale day.
No pets are allowed. Service animals are permitted.
Because of the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas are ADA accessible.
Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly at 715-747-2415 or madelineisland@wisconsinhistory.org.
Contact
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or boxoffice@wisconsinhistory.org.
About the Location
A visit to the Madeline Island Museum is an adventure through time, exploring the stories of the diverse peoples who have called the island home. Your immersive self-guided tour traverses four historic structures that combine to form the heart of this modern museum featuring fascinating artifacts and engaging exhibits telling Ojibwe, French, British and American stories. Explore the historic buildings that comprise the modern museum, each exploring the diverse cultures that have called Madeline Island home throughout history. Experience Indigenous life, the fur trade, logging, boat building, fishing, missionary activity, immigrant life and much more.
