On Thursday, April 22 at 6:30pm CST, Robert Birmingham, a retired UW-Waukesha professor and the author of several books on archaeological and historical topics, will be with us virtually to host Spirits of Earth: Ancient Native American Effigy Mounds in Wisconsin.
This presentation will explore what is known about the effigy mounds and the world of the effigy mound builders with examples drawn from the Columbia County region.
Native peoples have occupied what is now the state of Wisconsin for over 13,000 years, first arriving at the end of the glacial period. Populations grew through time and cultures became increasing more complex. After 500 B.C native peoples began the custom of burying the dead under earthen mounds. Between AD 700 and 1100 mound building exploded throughout southern Wisconsin and became much more elaborate- taking the form of sometimes vast landscapes of burial mounds made as effigies of animals, supernatural beings, and even human beings. Modern day Columbia and Dodge Counties are at the geographical heart of this remarkable cultural development that is unique in the world and called the Effigy Mound Cultural Complex.
This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome. You may view this event on a laptop, smart phone, tablet or computer.
To register, please click here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfqHJXkuutcr9.../viewform. You will receive a conformation email shortly after registering. This conformation email will not include the event link, the event link will be sent to the email provided within 24 hours of the live event.
This event brought to you through The Virtual Project, a collaboration among Columbia County libraries to bring virtual programming to library patrons.
