Winter Lyceum (2 of 7): Dr. Gene Tesdahl and Dr. Joshua Wachuta Present “Ho-Chunk Sovereignty, Black Voices, and the Driftless Lead Boom”

Native American history and African American history have deep roots in the Driftless Region. Come appreciate the complexities that Ho-Chunk leaders, African American lead miners, and U.S. officials negotiated during the Driftless lead boom, 1825-1848. The region witnessed illegal slavery even as it transitioned from free Michigan Territory to free Wisconsin Territory ending in Wisconsin statehood as a free state. Ho-Chunk leaders including Caaxšépsgaaga, Wakąjawįxka, and Wanįg-sučka sought to maintain their ancestral rights to the lead region, but faced an overwhelming U.S. military occupation after 1827. Enslaved black lead workers Paul Jones and Toby Dodge navigated their way through this period gaining freedom as Wisconsinites along the way.

Each year, the museum invites a series of speakers to share their unique stories, histories, and insights. The 2022 Winter Lyceum will run each Sunday from February 20 to April 3, and will feature seven engaging hour-long lectures for the price of $4 each or $20 for all seven. The lectures will be held online via Zoom, and a link will be provided upon registration.

Register for this lecture or get the season pass for access to all seven at a discounted price!