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Juliette Kinzie: Frontier Storyteller
 | | By Kathe Crowley Conn |
In 1830, a young woman named Juliette Magill Kinzie moved from her fancy home in Connecticut to a rustic log cabin in what would later be called Wisconsin. Juliette lived there with her husband, John, who worked as an Indian agent at Fort Winnebago, one of Wisconsin's earliest settlements. While living at the fort, Juliette came to know the Indian communities that called the land home, as well as the non-Indian settlers who were moving in. She later wrote a best-selling book about her experiences, Wau-Bun: The 'Early Day' in the Northwest, an important first-person account of life on the frontier.
This new biography in the Badger Biographies Series turns the lens on the writer herself, detailing her life as she detailed the lives of those she encountered in the 1830s and 1840s. Juliette Kinzie: Frontier Storyteller details war, hunger, and the rapidly changing times Juliette witnessed on the Midwestern frontier, following the pioneering woman through her own changes from socialite to pioneer to famous writer and even to the work of her granddaughter, Juliette Gordon Low, who founded the Girl Scouts of America in 1912.
Available now from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press! |
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An Interview with Carrie Kilman, Developmental Editor for the Wisconsin Historical Society Press
|  This month we visit with Wisconsin Historical Society Press Developmental Editor Carrie Kilman.
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Tell us a bit about yourself
I moved here from Alabama, where I was a writer for Teaching Tolerance magazine. I worked with educators and students who were challenging bias and working to create more inclusive classroom communities. When I began working with the Press, I was excited that my first project was a book for young readers, since I'd spent so much time writing about amazing kids and the power they have to make a difference.
What do you like best about your job?
I love working with first-time authors who have a story to tell, but who need some extra help making that happen. I believe everyone, no matter whether they're a writer, has something important to share with the world - a life experience or point of view that others might learn from. So I love helping authors find and share their voice.
What are some recent projects?
I'm wrapping up an incredible book about a Wisconsin woman named Dickey Chapelle who was the first female American war correspondent ever killed in action. Dickey fought to be taken seriously as a photojournalist at a time when women faced tremendous obstacles. I'm proud to play a role in bringing her story to the larger audience it deserves.
Tell us about Juliette Kinzie and why she's important in Wisconsin history.
Juliette is fascinating! She moved from high-society Connecticut to the Wisconsin frontier in search of adventure. When she got here, a lot of her preconceived notions about frontier life and, especially, Native people were challenged. To me, Juliette embodies the idea that everyone has a story to tell, and that our minds can change if we keep them open. I think kids will enjoy reading about her - she was smart, took risks, and challenged authority in her own way.
What's next?
I'm working on two new Badger Biographies - one on the author Sterling North and one on conservationists Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom. They should both be coming out next February, so stay tuned!
Visit the Wisconsin Historical Society Press online!
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The Wisconsin Historical Society Educator Update curates news from the Wisconsin Historical Society and beyond for the community of educators in Wisconsin.
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Yours in Education
Curator's Favorites
 Ever wonder if the people behind the scenes at the Museum on the Square have a favorite person, place, or thing? Curious as to what a curator sees when they look at one of the thousands of artifacts in our collections? Check out our online collection " Curator's Favorites" today! From Brett Favre's jersey to Lucius Fairchild's uniform, discover the stories behind some of our most iconic collections.
National History Day Benefit Concert, featuring singer-songwriter Cris Plata 
National History Day in Wisconsin is a statewide academic enrichment program that helps students in grades 6-12 learn about historical issues, people, and events, and culminates in a national competition. A scholarship fund has been created to enable talented Wisconsin students who are unable to afford the travel expenses to attend this prestigious event in Maryland.
Join singer-songwriter Cris Plata for a special performance benefiting these deserving young scholars! Plata is the subject of the new dual language Wisconsin Historical Society Press book for young readers, Cris Plata: From Fields to Stage/Del Campesino al Enscenario. All ages will enjoy hearing the soundtrack of his life--through songs ranging from traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex to his own compositions you will gain a better understanding of this fascinating musician and how he came to call Wisconsin home. Children will be invited to be part of the performance and participate in a craft activity. Complimentary refreshments provided.
Come support our National History Day in Wisconsin students and enjoy some lively country, folk and Mexican music!
For more information, please visit our website.
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Like our Facebook page to see highlights and tips for educators. Or follow us on Twitter (@WHSEducation) to see the latest quips and bits! 
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News from the Villa
Susan Caya-Slusser, Director
Special February Tours at Villa Louis in conjunction with Prairie du Chien Bald Eagle Appreciation Days!
February 27-28, March 1: Villa Louis Eagle Appreciation Weekend, Join Villa Louis and area attractions and businesses as they celebrate our national bird! Villa Louis will open each day at 10:30 a.m. with tours at the top of the hour starting at 11 a.m. and the last tour at 4 p.m. Villa Louis Historic Site, St. Feriole Island, Prairie du Chien, 608-326-2721.
February 27 & 28, the city of Prairie du Chien is hosting all new live bald eagle and raptor programs (featuring six raptors, including a bald eagle from the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center; various birding and nature related exhibits and displays; local birding experts on hand, outdoor viewing of bald eagles through spotting scopes, life-sized bald eagle nest, various activities for children. Friday evening programs will be held at local hotels. Saturday's programs and exhibits run 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and are held at Hoffman Hall, Prairie du Chien. Call or visit the website for details on the event, , co-sponsored by Effigy Mounds National Monument and the Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce/ Tourism Council, 800-732-1673.
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Thank you for reading our newsletter.
Sincerely,
Kurt Griesemer
Director of Education
Wisconsin Historical Society |
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