Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
What was Indiana like before it was Indiana?
Long before statehood, French explorers, missionaries, soldiers and fur traders traveled the rivers and portage routes of the region, building relationships with Native American tribes and establishing a network of forts and trading posts.
Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum invite the community to explore two chapters of Indiana’s early history during the Digging Through History Series on Sept. 3, and 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse. Both programs are free and suitable for the entire family, according to a provided news release.
Local French Military and Fur Traders
Sept. 3, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Travel back to the 1700s and discover what life was like for the French soldiers and fur traders who traveled through the Indiana wilderness.
Joe Zdziebko will bring this history to life while dressed in the uniform of a French Marine and surrounded by an impressive collection of artifacts. Guests will see military equipment, weapons, furs, coins and maps while learning how French soldiers lived, hunted, traded and fought alongside their Native American allies.
The French established a network of forts and trading posts throughout the region and played an important role in connecting these settlements and creating pathways through the wilderness.
Zdziebko will also explore the relationships between the French and Native American tribes, including how the French learned from their Native American allies and adapted to life in the wilderness. Their experiences helped shape some of the earliest military ranger traditions in North America.
Following the presentation, Zdziebko will answer questions from the audience about French military life and Native American alliances.
Forts in Indiana
Sept. 4, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Indiana has a long list of forts — but how much do we really know about them?
The second evening of Digging Through History turns the spotlight on forts from Indiana’s early settlement period. Presenter Bob Jones will explore several historic forts, including Ohio forts organized by Brigadier Gen. Anthony Wayne that are connected to the history of Fort Wayne. He will also introduce Fort de la Balme, a fort that has a story of its own.
Then the history lesson takes an unexpected turn. Guests will participate in a murder mystery with a twist. Forget “Who Done It?” The question for this mystery is “Where Was It Done?” Much like the familiar game of Clue, participants will examine material culture and other evidence and use their detective skills to determine where the actual scene of the crime took place. It is a fun, interactive way to explore history — and you may discover that the evidence tells a very different story than you expected.
The Digging Through History series is presented by Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum. Both programs are free and open to the public.
For more information, visit Chautauqua-Wawasee.org
