Sun. June 14: Archaeology 2026

Come dig with us:

We’re in hot pursuit of the hottest place on the hillside: the Agency blacksmith buildings. Dig with us into our site’s history using the science of archaeology.  Come prepared to get dirty, learn a lot, and personally play an important part in the quest to expand our historical understanding of how the Agency—and especially the blacksmith shop—functioned in the early 1830s.

Who may participate? …and how?

You and your family are invited to work right alongside the professional archaeologists. Adults and children ages five and up with the direct supervision of a responsible adult are welcomed to try their hand at a variety of tasks from digging to screening and more. Participants are guided through a 5-minute “Archaeology Boot Camp” before rolling up their sleeves to help investigate the site’s history alongside the professional archaeology team. Join us for an educational time of inquiry and discovery.

A membership (individual or family) is required in order to participate. Purchase your membership ahead of time at www.agencyhouse.org/membership, or at the door on the days of the excavation.  Bring your membership card to the event. Please note that there are no membership refunds, even if a dig date is canceled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances (we are okay to dig rain or shine, but not during storms).  Keep that information in mind as you decide when to purchase your membership.

If you are bringing multiple participants who want to dig at the same time (spouse, children, friends), be sure to register each one individually for the desired dig time(s). You may pre-register for any number of time slots you desire, or you may register at the door for any times that remain available.  In between times, you may peruse the gift shop, hike our trails, take a tour, bring a picnic lunch, explore the mini archaeology exhibit, or sit outside the dig area and watch the excavation continue!

The dig is scheduled to take place, weather permitting, June 13-14 and June 20-21, 10 am – 4 pm. This reservation page is for SUNDAY, JUNE 14 ONLY.  Reservation pages for other days may be found at agencyhouse.eventsmart.com.  Please be sure to arrive and check in at least 15 minutes ahead of time to sign your waiver and receive your wristband.  Time slots will be opened up to others if registrants do not arrive on time.  We additionally recommend that you bring water with you to stay adequately hydrated.

NOTE: If you are participating in the special Natural Resources Foundation Field Trip on Sunday, June 14 or Sunday, June 21, please do not reserve spaces using this platform.  Your space is already reserved.

Sat. June 20: Archaeology 2026

Come dig with us:

We’re in hot pursuit of the hottest place on the hillside: the Agency blacksmith buildings. Dig with us into our site’s history using the science of archaeology.  Come prepared to get dirty, learn a lot, and personally play an important part in the quest to expand our historical understanding of how the Agency—and especially the blacksmith shop—functioned in the early 1830s.

Who may participate? …and how?

You and your family are invited to work right alongside the professional archaeologists. Adults and children ages five and up with the direct supervision of a responsible adult are welcomed to try their hand at a variety of tasks from digging to screening and more. Participants are guided through a 5-minute “Archaeology Boot Camp” before rolling up their sleeves to help investigate the site’s history alongside the professional archaeology team. Join us for an educational time of inquiry and discovery.

A membership (individual or family) is required in order to participate. Purchase your membership ahead of time at www.agencyhouse.org/membership, or at the door on the days of the excavation.  Bring your membership card to the event. Please note that there are no membership refunds, even if a dig date is canceled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances (we are okay to dig rain or shine, but not during storms).  Keep that information in mind as you decide when to purchase your membership.

If you are bringing multiple participants who want to dig at the same time (spouse, children, friends), be sure to register each one individually for the desired dig time(s). You may pre-register for any number of time slots you desire, or you may register at the door for any times that remain available.  In between times, you may peruse the gift shop, hike our trails, take a tour, bring a picnic lunch, explore the mini archaeology exhibit, or sit outside the dig area and watch the excavation continue!

The dig is scheduled to take place, weather permitting, June 13-14 and June 20-21, 10 am – 4 pm. This reservation page is for SATURDAY, JUNE 20 ONLY.  Reservation pages for other days may be found at agencyhouse.eventsmart.com.  Please be sure to arrive and check in at least 15 minutes ahead of time to sign your waiver and receive your wristband.  Time slots will be opened up to others if registrants do not arrive on time.  We additionally recommend that you bring water with you to stay adequately hydrated.

NOTE: If you are participating in the special Natural Resources Foundation Field Trip on Sunday, June 14 or Sunday, June 21, please do not reserve spaces using this platform.  Your space is already reserved.

Sun. June 21: Archaeology 2026

Come dig with us:

We’re in hot pursuit of the hottest place on the hillside: the Agency blacksmith buildings. Dig with us into our site’s history using the science of archaeology.  Come prepared to get dirty, learn a lot, and personally play an important part in the quest to expand our historical understanding of how the Agency—and especially the blacksmith shop—functioned in the early 1830s.

Who may participate? …and how?

You and your family are invited to work right alongside the professional archaeologists. Adults and children ages five and up with the direct supervision of a responsible adult are welcomed to try their hand at a variety of tasks from digging to screening and more. Participants are guided through a 5-minute “Archaeology Boot Camp” before rolling up their sleeves to help investigate the site’s history alongside the professional archaeology team. Join us for an educational time of inquiry and discovery.

A membership (individual or family) is required in order to participate. Purchase your membership ahead of time at www.agencyhouse.org/membership, or at the door on the days of the excavation.  Bring your membership card to the event. Please note that there are no membership refunds, even if a dig date is canceled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances (we are okay to dig rain or shine, but not during storms).  Keep that information in mind as you decide when to purchase your membership.

If you are bringing multiple participants who want to dig at the same time (spouse, children, friends), be sure to register each one individually for the desired dig time(s). You may pre-register for any number of time slots you desire, or you may register at the door for any times that remain available.  In between times, you may peruse the gift shop, hike our trails, take a tour, bring a picnic lunch, explore the mini archaeology exhibit, or sit outside the dig area and watch the excavation continue!

The dig is scheduled to take place, weather permitting, June 13-14 and June 20-21, 10 am – 4 pm. This reservation page is for SUNDAY, JUNE 21 ONLY.  Reservation pages for other days may be found at agencyhouse.eventsmart.com.  Please be sure to arrive and check in at least 15 minutes ahead of time to sign your waiver and receive your wristband.  Time slots will be opened up to others if registrants do not arrive on time.  We additionally recommend that you bring water with you to stay adequately hydrated.

NOTE: If you are participating in the special Natural Resources Foundation Field Trip on Sunday, June 14 or Sunday, June 21, please do not reserve spaces using this platform.  Your space is already reserved.

Basket Weaving Workshop: Saturday, June 27, 2026 10 a.m. or 2 p.m.

Basket Weaving Workshop
Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.
Free Opportunity for ages 14+

Learn to make a black ash basket under the expert guidance of Ho-Chunk basket maker Kim Crowley.  Explore the history of the artform and make your own small basket from start to finish!

The workshop lasts approximately two hours and is meant for participants ages 14+.  Two separate start-to-finish classes are planned for June 27.  The first group starts at 10 a.m. and finishes at noon.  The second group starts at 2 p.m. and finishes at 4 p.m.  Please select the appropriate ticket for the time slot in which you plan to participate.  Please do not register for both the morning and afternoon sessions.

This is a unique and valuable opportunity which is being offered free of charge ($75+ value!).  Please only sign up if you are committed to attending.  The event is held rain or shine.  If an unforeseen circumstance arises after registering (sickness, etc.) which would prevent you from attending, please let us know as soon as possible so we can fill your space.

Questions?  Email historicindianagencyhouse@gmail.com or call 608-742-6362

 

Backpack Workshop for Kids: Saturday, June 6, 2026

“Big Picture Journey Through History”

Backpack Workshop for kids ages 5-10
Saturday, June 6, 10-12 and 1 to 3 pm
Free event

Have a blast learning and discovering! Our station leaders are eager to guide you through a “living” timeline of history.  Wear clothes that can get dirty, as well as comfortable shoes for walking.  This event is for children ages 5-10.  Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Each child will also receive a FREE BACKPACK loaded with fantastic themed tools and resources! 

The workshop is offered in two time slots.  Choose to register for the morning time slot from 10am to 12pm, or the afternoon time slot from 1pm to 3pm.  Please do not register for both morning and afternoon sessions.  The morning and afternoon sessions have the same content.

Pre-registration is required, as there is a limit of 24 children. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. There will also be a waiting list, so if you have signed up and cannot make it, please contact us so we can allow other children to participate.

Questions?  Email us at historicindianagencyhouse@gmail.com

Sat. June 13: Archaeology 2026

Come dig with us:

We’re in hot pursuit of the hottest place on the hillside: the Agency blacksmith buildings. Dig with us into our site’s history using the science of archaeology.  Come prepared to get dirty, learn a lot, and personally play an important part in the quest to expand our historical understanding of how the Agency—and especially the blacksmith shop—functioned in the early 1830s.

Who may participate? …and how?

You and your family are invited to work right alongside the professional archaeologists. Adults and children ages five and up with the direct supervision of a responsible adult are welcomed to try their hand at a variety of tasks from digging to screening and more. Participants are guided through a 5-minute “Archaeology Boot Camp” before rolling up their sleeves to help investigate the site’s history alongside the professional archaeology team. Join us for an educational time of inquiry and discovery.

A membership (individual or family) is required in order to participate. Purchase your membership ahead of time at www.agencyhouse.org/membership, or at the door on the days of the excavation.  Bring your membership card to the event. Please note that there are no membership refunds, even if a dig date is canceled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances (we are okay to dig rain or shine, but not during storms).  Keep that information in mind as you decide when to purchase your membership.

If you are bringing multiple participants who want to dig at the same time (spouse, children, friends), be sure to register each one individually for the desired dig time(s). You may pre-register for any number of time slots you desire, or you may register at the door for any times that remain available.  In between times, you may peruse the gift shop, hike our trails, take a tour, bring a picnic lunch, explore the mini archaeology exhibit, or sit outside the dig area and watch the excavation continue!

The dig is scheduled to take place, weather permitting, June 13-14 and June 20-21, 10 am – 4 pm. This reservation page is for SATURDAY, JUNE 13 ONLY.  Reservation pages for other days may be found at agencyhouse.eventsmart.com.  Please be sure to arrive and check in at least 15 minutes ahead of time to sign your waiver and receive your wristband.  Time slots will be opened up to others if registrants do not arrive on time.  We additionally recommend that you bring water with you to stay adequately hydrated.

NOTE: If you are participating in the special Natural Resources Foundation Field Trip on Sunday, June 14 or Sunday, June 21, please do not reserve spaces using this platform.  Your space is already reserved.