Celebrate Archaeology Month This September: Three Free History Programs in Syracuse

In celebration of Archaeology Month, Chautauqua-Wawasee invites you to enjoy three free, engaging programs that bring history to life. From the cultural renewal of the Miami Tribe to the earliest inhabitants of Northern Indiana and the leadership of Potawatomi Chief Five Medals, these events offer a unique chance to learn, connect, and experience history firsthand.

Program 1: Revitalization of the Miami Culture – Indiana and Beyond

Date: Saturday, September 6
Time: 10:00 AM – Noon
Location: Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Ruddell Pavilion, 11586 N State Route 13, Syracuse, Indiana
Cost: Free admission

Chautauqua-Wawasee will host “Bringing History Alive” with a special program on the Revitalization of the Miami Culture: Indiana and Beyond.

Logan York, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, will discuss contemporary revitalization of Myaamia culture and review ancient Tribal history of Myaamiaki neehi Myaamionki (Miami People and Miami Land), including the Tribe’s removal to and establishment in Oklahoma. His focus will be on the present era of revitalization, including the Tribal processes and reasoning that underlie Myaamia strategies for cultural renewal. Logan will also highlight contemporary Miami art and the artists who are significant contributors to this revitalization.

Two regionally famous Myaamia artists will also be present:

Dani Tippmann – Beadwork
Katrina Mitten – Fine Basketry

Both artists will share samples of their work and be available for dialogue with attendees before and after the presentation.

Programs 2 and 3: Digging Through History

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum invite you to the fifth annual free two-evening series, Digging Through History, where history truly comes alive. Both events take place at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N Long Drive, Syracuse, Indiana.

Thursday, September 11 – The Pre-History of Northern Indiana

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Presented by: Bryan Warder (Vice President) and Pat Mooney (Past President) of the Indiana Archeological Society

Discover the story of Indiana’s earliest inhabitants — people who lived here thousands of years ago and left behind remarkable stone implements. Bryan and Pat will display prehistoric artifacts and explain how they were used.

Special Feature: Bring any artifacts you’ve found for free identification and dating by Pat and Bryan.

Friday, September 12 – The Life and Times of Potawatomi Chief Five Medals

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Presented by: Mike Judson

Explore the life of Potawatomi Chief Five Medals — a prominent leader during the frontier wars of the 1790s and the War of 1812. Learn how Chief Five Medals:

Signed six treaties
Met Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson
Advocated for agriculture and defended his people’s homeland

Mike will also share original artifacts and reproduction items from the era.

Event Details for Digging Through History Events

Dates: Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM each night

Location: Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N Long Drive, Syracuse, Indiana

Cost: FREE ADMISSION

Why Attend?
These engaging programs are perfect for history lovers, students, families, and anyone curious about the people who once called Northern Indiana home. Bring your kids, neighbor kids, and grandkids to experience history in a hands-on, fun, and interactive way.

Presented with support from:
Indiana Historical Society, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, and Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation, and Visitors Commission.

More Information:
Follow the Chautauqua-Wawasee Facebook page or call (574) 377-7543.