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Three-Day Native American “Digging Through History” Program

Annual Three-Day Native American “Digging Through History” Program

Chautauqua-Wawasee and Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum are collaborating to offer the fourth annual series of programs that explore the local history of northeastern Indiana. The series offers three FREE programs, September 12-14. The September 12 and 13 programs are being hosted at the Syracuse Community Center, while the September 14th program will be outdoors at WACF’s Ruddell Pavilion. Each program features presenters with expert knowledge and provides an interactive environment for discussion and hands-on examination of artifacts.

Trevor Tipton presented here in 2021, and returns on Thursday, September 12, to discuss “Tools and Weapons of the Indigenous Peoples.” (6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Syracuse Community Center)

Have you ever wondered how mankind survived thousands of years ago? What animals did they hunt? How did they kill their prey? What tools were used by prehistoric man? This will be the focus of Trevor Tipton’s presentation. His artifact collection, found mostly in Noble County, will be on display. Attendees will be able to handle weapons from centuries ago.

Then, on Friday, Dr. Mark Schurr, a professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame, will speak on the topic “Archaeology of the French in Northern Indiana – Does it Exist?” (6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Syracuse Community Center)

The first historical record of the French presence in northern Indiana dates to 1679 when Réné Robert Cavalier, Sieur de Lasalle traveled along what is now the St. Joseph River to the Kankakee River using the portage in South Bend. However, the French established only one permanent settlement in the northern
Indiana (Fort Miami in what is now Ft. Wayne). Very little archaeological evidence is available about the French presence in the region. Historic records and a few site investigations show what kind of evidence we should look for if we want to document evidence of French activities in northern Indiana, including in
places like Kosciusko County.

On Saturday, September 14, seven individual activities and experts share information on what life was like back in the 1800s. (10:00 a.m. – Noon, WACF’s Ruddell Pavillion)

These include a demonstration of the Atlatl tool, flint knapping, and presentations by a 1754 French Marine, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Archaeological Division, metal detecting, and others.  With so much to see and do, this Saturday program has been incredibly popular with children and families.

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Survival of the Myaamia People

Due to last year’s overwhelming response, Chautauqua Wawasee is offering a second program to learn more about the Myaamia people and culture.  The Myaamia community is much more than just street names and artifacts. They are a vibrant contemporary people whose history has shaped many of our lives here in Indiana. Historian Cam Shriver will talk about the fight against the Myaamia nation’s removal from their Indiana homelands, and what it was like for the many families who remained in the state.

Shriver, Senior Research Associate in the Myaamia Center, works on Indigenous history, with a particular emphasis on the Myaamia experience of the last four centuries. Most recently, his research has investigated histories of colonial and Native American education and the legal and social history of Myaamia allotments.

Shriver’s scholarly research emerged from ongoing conversations with the community and the Miami Tribe’s Cultural Resources Office. In addition to various courses in early American history, Shriver frequently teaches “Introduction to the Miami Tribe” at Miami University, and he will be sharing his knowledge with us this coming September!

This Saturday program runs from 10:00 am until noon outdoors at WACF’s Ruddell Pavilion south of Syracuse at 11586 N. SR 13.  This is a FREE Event.

WHEN: Sept. 7th – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: WACF Ruddell Pavilion – 11586 N. State Road 13, Syracuse

COST: FREE TO ATTEND!

Follow us on Facebook, or call us at 574-377-7543 for more information! 

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John Wooden Presentation

It is remarkable how little many Hoosiers know about the history of our state and the amazing people it has spawned. Some of the greatest athletes, composers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, innovators, leaders, musicians, philanthropists, politicians, preachers, public servants, scientists, teachers, and writers in U.S. history were nurtured by this soil.  Chautauqua-Wawasee has embarked on an annual series to highlight Hoosiers who have impacted America. John Wooden will lead off this series with a presentation by Dr. Richard Gunderman, author of the book “Hoosier Beacons”. When you hear his presentation, you will be amazed at the nature and accomplishments of the man discussed and you will want to be a better person by simply hearing about Wooden’s long and successful life.

WHEN: July 13, 2024, beginning with refreshments at 4:30 PM followed by the presentation from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

WHERE: Oakwood Resort, located at 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse Indiana.

COST: FREE to attend!

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Ask Ben Franklin Chautauqua Wawasee
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Ask Ben Franklin: In His Own Words

Meet Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin stands among the most influential Americans of his era, earning recognition for an extraordinary range of achievements. He worked as a printer, inventor, scientist, politician, musician, writer, and civic leader. His innovations include the Franklin stove, lightning rod, glass armonica, and an early odometer. Franklin also helped establish the first fire department in the American colonies and founded the University of Pennsylvania.

Throughout his life, Franklin traveled extensively across the Colonies and abroad. His diplomatic work in Paris, France, helped shape international support for American independence and cemented his reputation as a symbol of ingenuity and leadership.

About the Performer

Since 2005, Barry Stevens has portrayed Benjamin Franklin as part of a Revolutionary War reenactment company. He brings history to life through an interactive performance style that combines factual detail, humor, and storytelling. His approach invites audience participation and connects listeners of all ages with Franklin’s life and legacy.

Event Details

What: Ask Ben Franklin: In His Own Words
When: June 30, 4:30–5:30 pm
Where: Wawasee High School Auditorium, Syracuse, Indiana
Cost: Free and open to the public

Following the program, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Patriotic Pops Concert took place at 7:30 pm on the lawn at Oakwood Resort.

Guests also visited the Chautauqua tent to receive a free flag and glow light. This family-friendly program highlighted Chautauqua-Wawasee’s ongoing commitment to educational and cultural offerings.

For more information, visit us on Facebook or call 574-377-7543.

This program was presented as part of Chautauqua-Wawasee’s Patriotic Speaker Series. Dates and details are retained for historical reference and may change for future presentations.

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Myaamiaki: Stories of Miami People, Past and Present.

More than just street names and artifacts, the Myaamaia community is a vibrant contemporary people whose history has shaped many of our lives here in Indiana. Today we have an opportunity to talk to two members of the Miami Tribe about their history and continued presence in Indiana.

Presenters: Diane Hunter and Dani Tippmann. Diane Hunter will talk about the history of Miami people since time immemorial, telling the stories of their emergence as a unique and different people, their first encounters with Europeans and later with Americans, land loss and forced removals, and about the revitalization of the Miami Tribe today. Diane is the Myaamia Heritage Preservation Specialist for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and a citizen of the Tribe. She is a descendant of the Miami family of Seekaahkweeta and Palaanswa (Francois Godfroy).

Dani Tippmann, a tradition bearer and a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, will be discussing the use of plants as food, medicine, technology, and cultural historical conduits. Plants teach us, feed us, heal us, and bring us a better understanding of Myaamia culture and lifeways. Dani will have plants to touch, smell and maybe even taste. Dani was Director of the Whitley County Historical Museum from 2008-2022. She currently serves as Kiihkayonki Community Food Program Director.

When: September 9 at 10:00.

Where: WACF Ruddell pavilion

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Thomas Jefferson played by J.D. Sutton
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“An Encounter With Thomas Jefferson”

Chautauqua-Wawasee is inviting you for an encounter with Thomas Jefferson the man who defined American Independence. World-renowned Jefferson re-enactor, J.D. Sutton, as 77-year-old Mr. Jefferson is retired, but still busy.  He’s looking back on his life, reflecting on his “services” to our country, the things he’s been able to accomplish as well as things left undone. And so, he’s invited you to his home, so he can explain the events of his life.

After Mr. Jefferson’s talk, join us on the lawn at Oakwood Resort at 7:30 for the annual Patriotic Pops concert. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Stop by our tent to receive a free patriotic gift.

What: Jefferson performance by reenactor J.D. Sutton
When: June 26, 4:30 – 5:30
Where: Wawasee High School Auditorium,  Syracuse, Indiana
Tickets: Free
Follow us on Facebook or call 574-377-7543

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