Hands-on learning & discovery for all ages
Enjoy lots of BRAND NEW STATIONS in 2025, plus some favorite standbys!
Many historical skills and heritage arts would be lost to time were it not for those who continue to practice and research them to this day. Try your own hand at an exciting sampling of skills and cultural arts that have endured through the centuries. We have a fantastic lineup of Enduring Skills stations for adults and kids ages 5 and up. This popular event is now in its fifth season with this year's "Hearth & Home" edition!
Bring your family, friends, and a picnic lunch,
and make a whole day...or weekend...of it!
Saturday, July 26 - 10am to 4pm
Sunday, July 27 - 12pm to 3pm
Event admission is FREE
Funded in part with grants from the Community Foundation of South Central Wisconsin; the Kohler Foundation; &
Wisconsin Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the State of Wisconsin
(Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.)
Enduring Skills Stations at a Glance
Now's your chance to try it yourself!
*Note: The stations below are from 2024. Stay tuned for the 2025 lineup!
Saturday
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Atlatl throwing NEW
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Rosemaling NEW
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Métis finger weaving NEW
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Transfer printing: Delft tiles NEW
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Flintknapping
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Native American-style flute making
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19th century land surveying NEW
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Toting water with a yoke NEW
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Toy-making: Sailboat NEW
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Tabletop ninepins NEW
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Spencerian cursive - dip pens & slates
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Construct a bag and fill it with popcorn
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Candle dipping NEW
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Tempering spruce/pine gum for canoe NEW
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Listening to the fur trade (fiddle & more) NEW
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Historic outdoor games (graces, hoop rolling)
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18th century tavern games
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Rag rug making
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Toy-making: Clothespin doll NEW
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Watercolor bookmarks NEW
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Victorian-era games and toys make 'n' take
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Songs of the Civil War
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Civil War military camp life
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18th century military drills NEW
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1800s social dancing - reels and more (3pm)
Sunday
-
Atlatl throwing NEW
-
Métis finger weaving NEW
-
Transfer printing: Delft tiles NEW
-
Flintknapping
-
Native American-style flute making
-
19th century land surveying NEW
-
Toting water with a yoke NEW
-
Toy-making: Sailboat NEW
-
Tabletop ninepins NEW
-
Spencerian cursive - dip pens & slates
-
Construct a bag and fill it with popcorn
-
Candle dipping NEW
-
Historic outdoor games (graces, hoop rolling)
-
Rag rug making
-
Toy-making: Clothespin doll NEW
-
Watercolor bookmarks NEW
-
Victorian-era games and toys make 'n' take
-
Songs of the Civil War
-
Civil War military camp life
-
18th century military drills NEW
"Dear Adam & Staff & Amazing Volunteers,
The Enduring Skills Weekend was one adjective after another: fun, interesting, educational, well-organized — did I say fun!, accessible — in so many ways just the BEST event that grandparents could take an almost 6 yr old grandchild. Truly the Historic Indian Agency House programs are gems. Thank you many times over!"
“...enjoyed it immensely. The variety of hands-on activities was much appreciated. Also, the caliber of experts and interpretation was a surprise treat. Kudos to all involved.”
“...engaged and loved everything...thank you for making this an educational program for families."
"Kids loved it! Adults loved it...It was perfect. A fun event. Thanks for all the hard work!"
“...engaged and loved everything...thank you for making this an educational program for families."
“Everyone was welcoming, knowledgeable, and patient. One of my friends has Down Syndrome and he loved all the projects and my other friend uses a walker and was able to reach every station.”
"We will be back again!"