"New Beginnings & Fresh Perspectives" Summer Speaker Series, Installment 1 of 4

 Visit from General Henry Dodge Himself to Kick Off 4^th Annual Speaker Series
 
The Historic Indian Agency House at Fort Winnebago (HIAH) will host their 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 other historical happenings that have undergone an interpretive change.  This theme is in honor of HIAH’s newly expanded guided tour that strives to better highlight the many roles and duties 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.
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 Great Circle Foundation Inc. of East Northport and the City of Portage Historic Preservation Committee.
 
The first of the 2013 series will take place Tuesday, June 25th. At this time, historian, author and experienced interpreter Robert A. Braun of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, will appear in character as General Henry Dodge, an often-maligned and misunderstood American figure.
 
General Henry Dodge and his contributions to Wisconsin and American history have, in some circles, become grist for fiery debate. Over the past forty years, some modern historians have characterized him as a conniver, slave-owner, interloper, bully and rank opportunist. More recently, scholars have begun to re-examine this 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 record is beyond impressive: county sheriff, Major-General of the Missouri Militia, Colonel of the western Michigan Territory Militia, Major of the U.S. Rangers, 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 might have appeared in 1836.  Robert Braun will assume the persona and regalia of the General and interact with the audience 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 years 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 Home in Springfield, Illinois, Lincoln's New Salem, Apple River Fort, Wisconsin Heights Battlefield, Grand Portage National Monument, and at our own Historic Indian Agency House. He has portrayed General Henry Dodge for several historical societies and for the DAR Monument rededication at Wisconsin Heights.
 
The museum and visitor’s center exhibits, always free to the public, will be open 5PM 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 provided for lecture guests.
 
The Historic Indian Agency House hosts a variety of children’s and adult programming throughout the year, including book-your-own Scout workshops! Visit www.agencyhouse.org for a full listing of events, or call 608-742-6362 with any questions.