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Digging Through History: French Military, Fur Traders and Forts in Indiana

Digging Through History: French Military, Fur Traders and Forts in Indiana

Digging Through History series featuring Bob Jones and Joe Zdziebko, presented with the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

Explore Indiana’s fascinating early history during two free Digging Through History programs, co-sponsored by Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum. On September 3 and 4, historical interpreters Joe Zdziebko and Bob Jones will bring the stories of Indiana’s early French soldiers, fur traders and forts to life at the Syracuse Community Center.

Local French Military and Fur Traders

Thursday, September 3, 2026
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Syracuse Community Center
1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse
Free admission

Long before Indiana became a state, French explorers, missionaries, traders and soldiers traveled its rivers and portage routes, establishing relationships and trade with Native American tribes. From the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River, the French built a network of forts and trading posts, including Fort Ouiatenon near present-day Lafayette, Fort Vincennes and a French fort along the St. Joseph River near present-day Niles, Michigan.

But what was life like for these early French soldiers and traders? Step back into the 1700s as Joe presents while wearing the uniform of a French Marine, bringing history to life with an impressive collection of artifacts, including various pieces of equipment and weapons, furs, coins and maps. Learn how these soldiers lived, hunted, traded and fought alongside their Native American allies, and how they became some of the earliest military rangers in North America.

In this free program, you’ll discover the important role Indiana’s rivers and the vast Kankakee Marsh played in connecting the French settlements. Hear how the French developed relationships with Native American tribes, learning from them and adapting to life in the wilderness. This fascinating program offers a glimpse into a largely forgotten chapter of Indiana history and the French influence that helped shape the Midwest.

Joe will also answer questions from the audience regarding the military and Native American alliances.

About Joe Zdziebko

Originally from Chicago, Joe Zdziebko attended Northeastern Illinois University, followed by graduate school at Western Illinois University and Ball State University. For almost 40 years, he taught history and physical education while coaching football and track.

Joe has been a French and Indian War reenactor for nearly 20 years, participating in reenactment events in eight different states and two countries. He has been featured in two books and numerous newspaper articles, as well as radio and television news programs. He has been involved with the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum for five years, captivating audiences through a number of Chautauqua programs.

Forts in Indiana

Friday, September 4, 2026
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Syracuse Community Center
1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse
Free admission

Did you know there is a long list of forts in Indiana? The Forts in Indiana program will focus on forts from Indiana’s early settlement period.

You will learn about several Ohio forts organized by Brigadier General Anthony Wayne that are associated with Fort Wayne. Another, Fort de la Balme, stands out from the rest as little known and disputed, yet very interesting.

Attendees will participate in a murder mystery with a twist. The question will not be “Who did it?” but “Where was it done?” Like the familiar game of Clue, you will examine material culture and evidence and decide for yourself where the actual scene of the crime was.

This free program is suitable for the entire family.

Bob Jones presents Forts in Indiana for the Digging Through History series.

About Bob Jones

Bob has lived his entire life in Indiana and has resided in Fort Wayne since 1972. A graduate of Indiana University Fort Wayne, Bob received a Bachelor of Arts in 1974 and a Master of Arts in 1976. He retired after spending 37 years in the elementary classroom.

Bob now spends his time volunteering at First Missionary Church; Access Fort Wayne, the radio and television department of the Allen County Public Library; and Historic Fort Wayne, Inc., where he currently serves on the Board of Directors and as event manager and volunteer manager.

Bob is a ham radio operator and a member of the Fort Wayne Radio Club and the Fort Wayne Artists Guild.

Attend the Digging Through History Programs

Join Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum for one or both of these free Digging Through History programs and uncover the people, places and mysteries that helped shape Indiana’s early history.

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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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Northeastern Indiana Digging Through History-Day 3-Multiple Speakers

Northeastern Indiana Digging Through History-Day 3-Multiple Speakers

 

Bring Your Own Artifact Led by Jim Bickel & Michelle Edington

Do you have an old artifact that you aren’t sure what it is or when/where it originated? Jim and Michelle are available to examine your artifact and (hopefully) tell you all about it.

 

Five Medals Living History Led by Mike Judson

Five Medals was such an important leader in our region that an organization and an event have been named in his honor. Reenactors will have numerous artifacts to share plus excerpts from the exciting history of the 1812 era.

 

1750s French Marine Led by Joe Zdziebko

Joe Zdziebko, dressed as a 1750s French Marine will display and discuss his equipment, uniform, musket, furs, maps, etc. He will also talk about old sayings that are still used today.

 

Flintknapping Hands-on Led by Jeff Mesaros

Want to know how Native American artifacts were made by hand? Jeff Mesaros will show you how. And here’s your chance to try making one!

 

Atlatl Weapon Demonstration Led by Jamie Clemons

The atlatl was a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in dart or spear-throwing, and includes a bearing surface which allows the user to store energy during the throw. Jamie will be demonstrating types from around the nation and let you participate with samples. You can try it too!

 

Metal Detecting in Archaeology Led by Angie Butler

Metal detectors can play a key role in discovering historical artifacts. You’ll be amazed at the display of items found under the waters of Lake Wawasee and along its shoreline.

You may reserve your spot by registering HERE.

Date and time:

Saturday, September 2 · 10am – 12pm EDT

Location:
Wawasee Area Conservancy 11586 Indiana 13 Syracuse, IN 46567
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