Historic Indian Agency House Living History Reenactment

The Historic Indian Agency House of Portage is hosting their annual living history reenactment on Saturday, September 15, 2018, with special tours at 11, 1, and 3pm. This year’s event, “A Funeral at the Fort,” will transport you back in time to a 19th century funeral on the Wisconsin frontier. Visitors to the site will get the chance to observe and interact with a host of characters in historic costume and character in an authentic historic setting. Learn about how our American ancestors dealt with the constant companion of death through special tours, demonstrations and activities taking place throughout the day, featuring fascinating information on mourning traditions and funeral and burial rituals.

Some of the day’s highlights include, ailments and medical “remedies” that caused death on the unsettled American fringes that was 19th century Michigan Territory, a funeral set-up in the Agency House parlor (complete with real “pine box”!), memorial samplers and mourning hair jewelry demonstrations, and open-air cooking.

Between scheduled activities, visitors are encouraged to wander the site—stroll about and mingle with our historic guests, all experienced educators with an interest specifically in the 1830s era…and they can’t wait to share their knowledge with you!

Please note that special care will be taken to ensure that this event remains family-friendly, despite the somewhat-sobering subject matter. No graphic or gruesome elements will be present. 

For information regarding this or any other Historic Indian Agency House event, call 608-742-6362 or email historicindianagencyhouse@gmail.com.