Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum are once again collaborating to offer a 3-day series of educational and entertaining programs focused on northern Indiana native American history. All programs are free to attend.
Thursday, September 1- 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Using Maps to Unlock the Past (1866 – 1903)
As Kosciusko County Surveyor, Mike Kissinger, has done a great deal of historical research and will share his findings and interest in Kosciusko County and the lakes area. Of special interest are old maps, Indian reservations, old schools/homes, and the stories of past residents.
About the Presenter: Mike Kissinger
Mike is a lifetime resident of the North Webster area and lives on the property that family acquired from the U.S. government in 1845. A 1979 graduate of Wawasee High School, he has worked in the County Surveyor’s Office for the past 41 years, Mike was licensed as a Professional Surveyor in 1999 and was selected as the County Surveyor when his friend & mentor, Richard Kemper, retired in 2015.
Friday, September 2- 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Reenacting Richard Stone’s Journal (1827-1842)
In 1827, as some of the first white settlers in Noble County, Richard Stone and his family set up a trading post at the junction of two highly traveled trails, known today as U.S. 33 & SR 5. The Indian village of Chiefs Papakeechie and Wawasee was just six miles away. Using Richard Stone’s journal, reenactor Jim Hossler will relate the life and times at the newly established trading post.
About the Presenter: Jim Hossler
Jim has lived in Noble County for the last 30 years. He has been a member of Stone’s Trace Historical Society for the last past 14 years, and the President for the last 9 years. Stone’s Trace is a historic site in Noble County that has restored Richard Stone’s tavern and three other pre-Civil War buildings. He and his wife, Pam, have five children and six grandchildren. He says “I’ve always enjoyed history, and I love teaching the kids and the people about Stone’s Trace.” Read more at www.stonestrace.com. A “Vintage Christmas” is planned for December 3, 1:00 –4:00pm. Jim owns and operates a small trucking company.
Saturday, September 3- SIX individual programs are listed below
Bring Your Own Artifact 10:00 – Noon /Led by Jim Bickel & Michelle Eddington
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.
Tribute to the Eastern Woodland Natives 10:00 – Noon /Led by Dan Lima, reenactor of Eastern Woodland Natives
Veteran reenactor Dan Lima will delight you with the lives of Potawatomi Chief Five Medals and Miami Chief Wawasee and his brother Chief
Papakeecha whose reservation was located near present-day Indian Village in Noble County.
“Life and Times of Five Medals” discussion 10:00 – Noon /Led by Mike Judson at WACF Amphitheater
Mike Judson, president of Five Medals Living History, Inc., will discuss the life and times of the Elkhart River Potawatomi Chief Wonongaseah (a.k.a. Five Medals). Five Medals led his people in the defense of their homeland from the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794 to the War of 1812.
1774 French Marine 10:00 – Noon /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 Demonstration 10:00 – Noon /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 10:00 – Noon /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 that allows the user to
store energy during the throw. Jamie will be demonstrating types from around the nation and allowing the public to participate with samples.
Details: www.facebook.com/ChautauquaWawasee or
www.syracusemuseum.org