Madison Central BID: Wisconsin author series: Let’s talk history!

Author Talks at “Top of State” continues July 30 with “Life, Death, and Archaeology at Fort Blue Mounds” with author Robert A. Birmingham

MADISON, Wis. (July 7, 2015) Enjoy summer the long days of summer while discovering Wisconsin history at outdoor author talks from the Wisconsin Historical Museum as part of the “Top of State” summer event series in downtown Madison. Upcoming “after work” author talks are the last Thursdays in July and August at “30 on the Square,” 100 N. Carroll St., where State St. meets the Capitol Square (Rain location: Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 N. Carroll St.) Details and updates are at top-of-state.com, or call (608) 512-1342

The program schedule includes:

* “Life, Death, and Archaeology at Fort Blue Mounds” with author Robert A. Birmingham
Thursday, July 30; 5:00-6:15 pm

* “Studying Wisconsin: The Life of Increase Lapham”
Thursday, August 27, 5:00-6:15pm with authors Martha Bergland and Paul G. Hayes

“Life, Death, and Archaeology at Fort Blue Mounds” with author Robert A. Birmingham
(Thursday, July 30; 5:00-6:15 pm, 30 on the Square, 100 N. Carroll St., downtown Madison)

About the Book: Archaeologist and author Robert A. Birmingham discusses his book “Life, Death, and Archaeology at Fort Blue Mounds,” an archaeological detective story illuminating the lives of white settlers in the lead-mining region during the tragic events of the historically important conflict known as the Black Hawk War. Focusing on the strategically located Fort Blue Mounds in southwestern Wisconsin, Birmingham summarizes the 1832 conflict and details the history of the fort, which played a major role not only in US military and militia operations but also in the lives of the white settlers who sought refuge there. Birmingham also transports us to the site decades later, when he and fellow Wisconsin Historical Society archaeologists and dedicated volunteers began their search for the fort. The artifacts they unearthed provide fascinating – and sometimes surprising – insights into the life, material culture, and even the food of the frontier.

Recommended for readers interested in the Black Hawk War, frontier life, Native American history, military history, and archaeology, “Life, Death, and Archaeology at Fort Blue Mounds” is grounded by a sense of place and the discovery of what a careful examination of our surroundings can tell us about the past.

About the Author: Robert A. Birmingham served for many years as Wisconsin State Archaeologist at the Wisconsin Historical Society. He now teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha and writes from his home in Madison. He is the recipient of the 2005 Steinberg Prize from the University of Wisconsin Press for “Indian Mounds of Wisconsin,” written with Leslie E. Eisenberg; the 2005 Merit Award for history from the Midwest Independent Publishers Association for “Aztalan: Mysteries of an Ancient Indian Town,” written with Lynne G. Goldstein; the Increase A. Lapham Medal from the Wisconsin Archeological Society; and a 2007 Wisconsin State Park Hero award for his work promoting Aztalan State Park.

“Studying Wisconsin: The Life of Increase Lapham” with authors Martha Bergland and Paul G. Hayes
(Thursday, August 27; 5:00-6:15 pm, 30 on the Square, 100 N. Carroll St., downtown Madison)

About the Book: Authors Martha Bergland and Paul G. Hayes explore the remarkable life and achievements of Wisconsin’s first scientist, Increase Lapham (1811-1875). Their book, “Studying Wisconsin: The Life of Increase Lapham,” chronicles the life and times of Wisconsin’s pioneer citizen-scientist. Lapham’s ability to observe, understand, and meticulously catalog the natural world marked all of his work, from his days as a teenage surveyor on the Erie Canal to his last great contribution as state geologist. Self-taught, Lapham mastered botany, geology, archaeology, limnology, mineralogy, engineering, meteorology, and cartography. A prolific writer, his 1844 guide to the territory was the first book published in Wisconsin. Asked late in life which field of science was his specialty, he replied simply, “I am studying Wisconsin.”

About the Authors: After her retirement from teaching English at Milwaukee Area Technical College, Martha Bergland wrote an article on Lapham for Milwaukee Magazine, and continued to study Increase Lapham for the next five years. She has written two novels, “A Farm Under a Lake” and “Idle Curiosity,” both published by Graywolf, and is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize. She lives in Glendale, Wisconsin.

During 33 years at The Milwaukee Journal, science reporter Paul G. Hayes often relied on the work of Increase Lapham, whose home had been three blocks north of the newspaper office. After retiring in 1995, Hayes continued to write, often referring to Lapham and his contributions. This biography is a fitting finale to a fifty-year acquaintance. Paul and his wife live in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, where they raised two sons.

The BID “Top of State” summer programming series feature an eclectic mix of music, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and pop-up or drop-in events, June through September, where State Street meets the Square, in Philosophers’ Grove (100 W. Mifflin St.) and 30 on the Square (100 N. Carroll St.). Find more information and a schedule at top-of-state.com or call (608) 512-1342. The Top of State summer programs are presented by Madison’s Central BID in partnership with the City of Madison, Madison Parks Foundation and Isthmus.

Media Contacts:
Mary Carbine, Madison Central BID
(608) 512-1340
mcarbine@visitdowntownmadison.com

Emily Nelson, Wisconsin Historical Museum
(608) 264-6555
Emily.Nelson@wisconsinhistory.org