Bill Quackenbush: Presentation and Visit

The German-American Museum and the Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission are proud to host a special one-day conference, Historical Perspectives of the Ho Chunk Turkey River Reservation & Fort Atkinson, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the German-American Museum in St. Lucas, Iowa.

Join us for a meaningful day of presentations, site visits, and conversation centered on the history of the Ho-Chunk Nation and the preservation of one of Iowa’s most important historic military sites. Attendees will hear from expert speakers and have the opportunity to visit the former Winnebago Indian Subagency Sites to deepen their understanding of the region’s cultural and historical significance.

Event Agenda

9:30 AM – Check-In Opens
Welcome and registration at the German-American Museum

10:00 – 11:00 AM – Keynote Presentation
William Quackenbush, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and Cultural Resources Division Manager, Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin
Presentation: “The Ho Chunk Nation History: Forced Removals of the 1800s – Turkey River Reservation”

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM – Site Visit
Guided visit to former Winnebago Indian Subagency Sites

1:00 – 1:30 PM – Lunch Break
A sack lunch is provided to all registered attendees

1:30 – 3:00 PM – Afternoon Presentation
Kathy Gourley, Retired Archaeologist and Historian
Presentation: “It Took a Team: Recent Preservation Work at Iowa’s Fort Atkinson Historic District”
Featuring the story behind a $497,500 Save America’s Treasures grant awarded to the Fort Atkinson State Preserve

3:00 – 4:00 PM – Open Discussion, Networking, and Museum Browsing

Registration Details

Registration is $20 per person and includes lunch.
Advanced registration is required and must be received by September 10, 2025.

You may:
🔹 Register online using the form below
🔹 Or download the welcome packet and mail in the registration form on the last page. (click here to download packet)

Please note: Whether registering online or by mail, payment must be sent by check or cash to:

German-American Museum
St. Lucas Historical Society
212 East Main Street
St. Lucas, Iowa 52166

We hope you’ll join us for this engaging day of history, preservation, and cultural understanding in St. Lucas.

Online Registration Form