Contact: Keri O’Keefe Wisconsin Historical Society Phone: 6082619597 E-Mail: keri.okeefe@wisconsinhistory.
La Pointe, Wis. – On July 14-16, the Madeline Island Museum will make history come alive at the Exploring the Lake Superior Fur Trade festival and re-enactment. As guests cross over to the island, they will be immersed in a living fur trade encampment on the Madeline Island Museum lawn.
“Guests will have the opportunity to explore 150 years of fur trade history,” said Keldi Merton, site director at the Madeline Island Museum. “This year, the fur trade historians and re-enactors will be focusing on three major themes: The role of the Ojibwe in the fur trade, the life of a voyageur and the role of women on the frontier. The weekend will be packed with interactive programming for the whole family.”
This annual event, held every July, explores the history and customs of the French, British and American Fur Trade. At the event, costumed reenactors demonstrate a wide range of fur trade skills and traditions such as glass bead making, open fire cooking, silversmithing, wool spinning, traditional games, the role of women and Native Americans in the fur trade, and transportation by river and lake.
In 1663, the French brought the fur trade to the western Lake Superior region. In ensuing years, the British and then the Americans took over the trade. During these years, La Pointe and Madeline Island were the center of the Great Lakes fur trade.
The event will take place on July 14-16, 10:00am – 5:00pm, each day. All Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to the Madeline Island Museum. Admission for Adults (18 and over) $8, seniors (age 62 and over) $7, students and children under the age of 18 are free. All active military personal receive free admission. For questions or more information visit madelineislandmuseum.org or call 715-747-2415.
About Madeline Island Museum
Founded in 1958, the Madeline Island Museum tells the story of Madeline Island and surrounding region. Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society since 1969, the Madeline Island Museum is located in La Pointe, Wisconsin. Open 7 days a week, 10:00am -5:00 pm, the Museum is located half a block from the ferry dock. Visit madelineislandmuseum.org
Founded in 1958, the Madeline Island Museum tells the story of Madeline Island and surrounding region. Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society since 1969, the Madeline Island Museum is located in La Pointe, Wisconsin. Open 7 days a week, 10:00am -5:00 pm, the Museum is located half a block from the ferry dock. Visit madelineislandmuseum.org
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 wisconsinhistory.org.
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.
