An update on the October 3, 2017 public hearing on AB118:

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AB118 modifies current statutes regarding preservation of burial sites in Wisconsin. It was approved and introduced by the Joint Legislative Council on March 2, 2017 and assigned to the Assembly Committee on Environment and Forestry. The committee's hearing was the first public hearing regarding the bill since its introduction.

The hearing was well attended by members of the public, particularly tribal members including Ho-Chunk Nation legislators and officials. Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, chair of the Legislative Council's study committee that drafted the bill, described the bill's provisions and drafting history. Environment and Forestry Committee members had several questions regarding the kinds of discussions that occurred during the drafting process, including items that were not included in the final bill. A presentation by Ho-Chunk Nation officials also generated questions on items that the Nation might have wanted to see included but were not. Other presenters (see below for links) also spoke in favor of the bill. Nobody spoke or registered against it.

The history and current status of AB118 are accessible online at  https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2017/proposals/ab118.

At that site, the full list of presenters at the hearing is available at https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2017/related/records/assembly/environment_and_forestry/1404668

Also at that site, copies of testimony and other material presented by Rep. Loudenbeck, the Ho-Chunk Nation, the Wisconsin Historical Society, and the Wisconsin Inter-Tribal Repatriation Committee are available at
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lc/hearing_testimony_and_materials/2017/ab118/ab0118_2017_10_03.pdf.

Finally, that site also lists entities that are lobbying in relation to the bill, at https://lobbying.wi.gov/What/BillInformation/2017REG/Information/13918.

Video of the hearing is online via Wisconsin Eye at  http://www.wiseye.org/Video-Archive/Event-Detail/evhdid/11882

The AB 118 discussion starts at 39:20.

No opposition has yet surfaced to the bill. The Wisconsin Realtors Association and Wisconsin Builders Association have registered as "Other" regarding the bill -- neither in favor nor opposed. 

Wisconsin Archeological Society Fall Meeting

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The 2017 Fall Meeting of the Wisconsin Archeological Society (WAS) takes place on Saturday, Sept. 30 in Beloit, WI. We will have the business meeting in the morning, but there will also be discussion by chapters, a poster session, a forum on culturally modified trees with a presentation by Dr. Evan Larsen, and archaeology tours. The Three Rivers Archaeological Society (TRAS), a chapter of the Wisconsin Archeological Society and the Logan Museum of Anthropology at Beloit College are hosting the meeting.

The day begins with the Introduction at 9 am. The WAS Business Meeting begins at 9:30 am and it is followed by student posters and number of events. The highlight of the day is the Culturally Modified Trees Forum at 2 pm and a presentation by Dr. Evan Larsen about culturally modified trees in the northern Minnesota. There will also be tours of the Logan Museum and Beloit College Mound Group during lunch as well as a site tour of an earthen enclosure at the end of the day.

WAS is providing boxed lunches for participants. However, we need to get your selection of sandwich/wrap and side dishes. A selection sheet of breads, meats, and side dishes is attached. Please contact Sara Pfannkucke (sara.pfannkuche@gmail.com) with the number of lunches you need and your selection(s) by September 25.

If you wish to stay in Beloit for the weekend, there is a list of hotels in the area available below the lunch box selections.
If you have any questions, please contact Sara Pfannkuche (sara.pfannkuche@gmail.com) or myself (president@wiarcheologicalsociety.org).
We are looking forward to seeing you at the 2017 WAS Fall Meeting in Beloit!
Seth Schneider
President
Wisconsin Archeological Society
president@wiarcheologicalsociety.org

WisArch News - Call for Submissions

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The Wisconsin Archeological Society is seeking content for the Fall 2017 edition of the newsletter, WisArch News. Potential content includes news items or notes, interesting photographs, announcements of upcoming meetings and events, or a short article on research of interest to the members. Contributors should submit information soon, as the newsletter will be completed in the next several weeks. The newsletter will include an array of short, interesting pieces to draw the attention of both current and potential members to the society.

Interested participants should send items to Norman Meinholz via email: norman.meinholz@wisconsinhistory.org.

Youtube

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WAS talks will now be recorded and posted to Youtube. The channel link below will guide you to our newest video. The WAS page also has a Youtube icon you can select (top right of the page) to see all available videos. We will announce the talks as they become available online, with links to the newest videos provided.

Just posted: 

The Origins of Early Fort Ancient Villages in the Ohio Valley
Marcus Schulenburg - March 20th, 2017
UW-Milwaukee Ph.D candidate.

https://youtu.be/ftURmV6ByEc

Family Dig Day

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Join the Fond du Lac County Historical Society and learn about archaeological excavations at the Historic Galloway House and Village. Activities will be provided for visitors of all ages! Volunteer in an archaeological dig, listen to educational programs, watch flint knapping and prehistoric pottery demonstrations, and tour the Galloway House.

Family Dig Day Flyer.jpg

Wine, Cheese & Shipwrecks

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In case you’re around the Manitowoc area on July 20th, you might be interested in joining us. WUAA and the State Underwater Archaeologists are training 8 individuals (in two groups of 4) in drawing the wreck of the tug Arctic near Manitowoc.

MEET & GREET EVENT July 20- 

7:00 PM  Wisconsin Maritime Museum (In Manitowoc) will host a community Meet &Greet, called "Wine, Cheese & Shipwrecks" highlighting the Arctic project, and its results. Meet & Greet programs are public open houses held during a field project allowing the public a chance to speak with archaeologists and volunteers, getting a firsthand look at still and video images, the site plan, and equipment associated with underwater surveys. The event will offer the opportunity for local residents and visitors to ask questions about the project, maritime archaeology, and the importance of the preservation of Wisconsin's important resources. 

 

There is no cost. The Museum portion of the building is closed by 7:00 PM.