Message-ID: <BLU174-W44F192E1E01D01EDDEE951A1860@phx.gbl> From: Destinee Udelhoven <destineekae@hotmail.com> Subject: General Henry Dodge to Visit Portage Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:56:06 -0500
A Visit from General Henry Dodge Himselfto Kick off 4th Annual Speaker Seri
es
The Historic Indian
Agency House at Fort Winnebago (HIAH) in Portage, Wisconsin will host the
ir fourth annual lecture
series this summer, with one lecture a month from June to September.
The
series, entitled “New Beginnings &
Fresh Perspectives,” will explore Wisconsin events, people, or othe
r
historical happenings that have undergone an interpretive change. This the
me is in honor of HIAH’s newly
expanded guided tour that strives to better highlight the many roles and du
ties
of Indian Agent John Kinzie, and provide a more nuanced interpretation of
the
Indian removal period and its effects on the indigenous population.
Each installment of
this 4-part speaker series will be held on the final Tuesday of each month
at
6:30pm.
The first of the
2013 series will take place Tuesday,
June 25th at 6:30pm. At this time, historian, author and experienced in
terpreter Robert
A. Braun of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, will appear in character as Gener
al Henry
Dodge, an often-maligned and misunderstood American figure.
General Henry Dodge
and his contributions to Wisconsin and American history have, in some cir
cles,
become grist for fiery debate. Over the past forty years, some modern
historians have characterized him as a conniver, slave-owner, interlope
r, bully
and rank opportunist. More recently, scholars have begun to re-examine th
is
reputation, particularly and appropriately within the context of his own
time in
the history of the American West--a history which he himself helped shape!
Besides being a
devoted husband and family man in his private life, his public service re
cord
is beyond impressive: county sheriff, Major-General of the Missouri Milit
ia,
Colonel of the western Michigan Territory Militia, Major of the U.S. Rang
ers,
Colonel of the U.S. Dragoons, first territorial Governor of Wisconsin,
and a U.S. Senator for Wisconsin.
The goal of this
presentation is to allow participants to see and hear General Dodge as he m
ight
have appeared in 1836. Robert Braun will
assume the persona and regalia of the General and interact with the audienc
e in
a first-person portrayal of this historic figure. Braun will incorporate
Dodge's thoughts, opinions and viewpoints, carefully gleaned from Dodge
's own
speeches and writings.
Robert A. Braun
holds a BS from Marquette University and an MBA from Cardinal Stritch
University. He has studied American Military History for more than forty ye
ars
and has written numerous historical and research articles. In 2008, he
published a book on an episode of the 1832 Black Hawk War entitled "Bloody
Lake."
Mr. Braun is an
avid volunteer at historical sites. He has performed interpretive services
at
Gettysburg, Antietam, Harper's Ferry, Wilson’s Creek, Lincoln's H
ome in
Springfield, Illinois, Lincoln's New Salem, Apple River Fort, Wisco
nsin Heights
Battlefield, Grand Portage National Monument, and at our own Historic I
ndian
Agency House. He has portrayed General Henry Dodge for several historical
societies and for the DAR Monument rededication at Wisconsin Heights.
For the fourth year
in a row, this speaker series is FREE
to the public and made largely possible by generous grants from the The Gre
at
Circle Foundation Inc. of East Northport and the City of Portage Historic
Preservation Committee.
The museum and
visitor’s center exhibits, always free to the public, will be open 5p
m until
the lecture begins at 6:30. A guided
tour of the 1832 Winnebago Indian Agency will be available at 5pm. (Minimal
fee
applies; free for Supporters members.) Light refreshments will be provide
d for
lecture guests.
The Historic Indian Agency House hosts a variety of
children’s and adult programming throughout the year, including book-yo
ur-own
Scout workshops! Visit www.agencyhouse.org for a full listing of events,
or call 608-742-6362 with any
questions.
_____________________________________________________________________
Destinee K. Udelhoven
Executive Director
Historic Indian Agency House at Fort Winnebago
(608) 742 - 6362
Don't limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in a
nother time.
~Rabindranath Tagore