The Wisconsin Historical Society: The Women of Madeline Island Speaker series to kick off at the Madeline Island Museum

Contact: Keri O’Keefe, Wisconsin Historical Society
(608)261-9597
keri.okeefe@wisconsinhistory.org

La Pointe, Wis. – The Madeline Island Museum will be hosting a summer lecture series in conjunction with the new exhibit, “The Women of Madeline Island: Stories of Strength and Resilience”. This free lecture series will take place on Wednesday evenings and will feature a variety of speakers and authors from varied backgrounds.

“This lecture series will highlight the stories of the women who have made history on Madeline Island,” said Keldi Merton, site director at the Madeline Island Museum. “These remarkable women who lived on the island from the fur trade era through the modern day have helped shape Madeline Island into the place it is today. We are excited to share these often untold stories with the community.” Lectures are free to the public, occurring from 7:00-8:00pm, and are currently scheduled for the following dates:

Wednesday, July 12, 2017
“The Journey of the Women of Madeline Island”
Presented by Dr. Maureen Mack, Author

Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Queen of the Manse, Housewife, Starter of the Loom House: Velma Schroedel”
Presented by Marina Lachecki

Wednesday, August 16, 2017
TBD

Madeline Island has long been home to remarkable women whose accomplishments live on in local lore, but who tend not to be included in standard histories. For women who resided on Madeline Island year-round, the preparation and planning required to provide sufficient food and supplies for the winter could be overwhelming. But many women went beyond handling the basic needs of daily life on the island and served their community as well. In the new exhibit, open for the 2017 and 2018 season, and during each lecture, guests will get to know some of the many notable women of Madeline Island.

The Madeline Island Museum is open daily from May 27 – October 14. All Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to the museum. Ticket price for regular admission to the museum for adults (18-64) $8; Seniors (over 65) $7; Children and all active military personal: Free. Additional information regarding operating hours and special events can be found at madelineislandmuseum.org.

About Madeline Island Museum: Founded in 1958, the Madeline Island Museum tells the story of Madeline Island and surrounding region. Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society since 1969, the Madeline Island Museum is located in La Pointe, Wisconsin. Open 7 days a week, 10:00am -5:00 pm, the Museum is located half a block from the ferry dock. Visit madelineislandmuseum.org for a complete list of 2017 Programs & Events, or call 715-747-2415 for more information.

About Wisconsin Historical Society: The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.

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