• Artifact Show
• Lecture: The Discovery, Excavation and Conservation of La Salle's Shipwreck La Belle (1686)
• Wisconsin Archaeology Month
• Volunteer Field Survey Opportunity for MVAC Members - all ages
• Archaeology Field Experience - adults and high school students
• Archaeology Field School - adults and high school students
• MVAC's Annual Reception

For Field Experience and School registration information please contact the:

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Office of Continuing Education and Extension
608-785-6513
Online registration at:  http://www.uwlax.edu/ContEd

For information on all other public events content please contact:

MVAC's Archaeology Education Program at 608-785-8454 or e-mail Jean unless otherwise indicated.

Artifact Show

Come to Valley View Mall and see artifacts representing the area’s long history.  Local collectors will display their personal collections of artifacts.  See artifacts recovered from local excavations.  Archaeologists will be on hand to answer questions.  Bring in your own artifacts for help in their identification.  Call MVAC at 608-785-8454 or e-mail Jean if you would like to display your artifacts.

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The Discovery, Excavation and Conservation of La Salle's Shipwreck La Belle (1686)

Mr. Swanson will present an overview of the search, discovery, excavation and conservation of French explorer Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle’s shipwreck in Matagora Bay, Texas from 1686. Recovered were more than one million artifacts including bronze cannons from Louis XIV, muskets, trade beads, axes, rings, bells, tools, food items, clothing, human remains, personal possessions as well as large portion of the vessel and its rigging. These items were a “colony kit” brought from France to colonize a settlement in the New World in the late 17th century. This discovery is a moment frozen in time and yielded remarkably well preserved artifacts which provided a wealth of information of French culture, technology and naval architecture. Call MVAC at 608-785-8454 or e-mail Jean for more information.

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Wisconsin Archaeology Month

A variety of activities will be offered throughout the state during May to introduce the public to Wisconsin’s long and rich cultural past.  For a complete list of activities check out the Wisconsin Historical Society’s web site at http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/hp/hpweek/index.asp.

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Volunteer Field Survey Opportunity for MVAC Members

Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center will celebrate Wisconsin Archaeology Month by involving volunteers in the survey of local fields to find unreported archaeological sites.  Each day will begin with an introduction at the archaeology laboratory, followed by helping with an actual field survey.  Finally, participants will end each day back at the archaeology laboratory to wash the artifacts recovered and learn more about their history.  The number of participants is limited so register early.  Children may participate if accompanied by an adult.  Call MVAC at 608-785-8454 or e-mail Jean to register.

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Archaeology Field Experience - adults and high school students

This multi-day event includes both field and lab experiences and is a well rounded opportunity for those who want to learn about the process of archaeology. Explore what it is like to participate in an actual archaeological excavation, by working alongside professional archaeologists in the field. Participate in small-scale excavations (test units) and survey work. Lab work may include washing ceramics, stone tools, and other remains, and sorting them into basic categories. An experimental archaeology component of the event may explore making stone tools and pottery. Optional lab hours and local field trips will be available after regular field school hours. No previous experience is necessary. The location of this year’s field school is yet to be determined.

This experience is open to high school students through adults.  Fee includes a one year MVAC membership.  Supervised dorm facilities are available for high school students at an additional cost of $155 for 3 days.  Cancellation prior to June 30, 2008 will receive a full refund minus a $60 cancellation fee.  No refunds for cancellations after June 30, 2008.

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Archaeology Field School - adults and high school students

This multi-day event includes both field and lab experiences and is a well rounded opportunity for those who want to learn about the process of archaeology. Explore what it is like to participate in an actual archaeological excavation, by working alongside professional archaeologists in the field. Participate in small-scale excavations (test units) and survey work. Lab work may include washing ceramics, stone tools, and other remains, and sorting them into basic categories. An experimental archaeology component of the event may explore making stone tools and pottery. Optional lab hours and local field trips will be available after regular field school hours. No previous experience is necessary. The location of this year’s field school is yet to be determined.  

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Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
1725 State Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601 U.S.A.
Phone:  608-785-8463, Webmaster

All material Copyright © 2000-2008 Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

*MVAC Educational Programs are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
*This project was supported, in part, by the National Science Foundation.  Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.