Uncovering Ancient Life at Aztalan: New Explorations at One of Wisconsin’s Most Important Prehistoric Native American Communities
Aztalan State Park, outside of Lake Mills, WI, was inhabited by two distinct groups of Native Americans nearly a millennium ago. Over three years, we will conduct archaeological investigations within the residential area of Aztalan; dispel myths and promote scientific literacy by exhibiting the ongoing and evolving nature of archaeology; create educational materials for K-12 children, with a particular focus on curricular materials for middle school teachers; create a public-facing, interactive website; and improve our understanding of a case of Native American migration and multi-ethnic community formation around 900 years ago through expanded investigation of the site using modern field methods.
Outcomes
Improved understanding of daily life at Aztalan; engaging local middle school students in hands-on experience doing archaeology and the process of scientific investigation; collaborative development of curricular materials for middle school teachers and training workshops to help them integrate new materials into their curriculum; enhanced instructional materials in archaeology classes at UW-Madison; professional training of undergraduate, graduate, and special students in archaeological field methods; news coverage to promote renewed interest; public and professional programming; public-facing website.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Sissel Schroeder
Professor
- Department/Unit
- Anthropology
- School or College
- College of Letters & Science
Project Sites ( 1 total )
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