New signage unveiled at Madeline Island Museum shares Ojibwe migration story 

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La Pointe, WI. - The Wisconsin Historical Society unveiled its 608^th historical marker at a dedication event held on Madeline Island on Saturday, Sept. 30. The new marker is part of an ongoing effort to share more complete and accurate stories from communities that contribute to Wisconsin’s historical narrative. The new Mooningwanekaaning marker replaced a 1961 marker inaccurately stating that the island was discovered by the French. The new historical marker, which bears the Ojibwe name for Madeline Island and was developed using input from the Bad River and Red Cliff Ojibwe communities, recognizes the central role of Indigenous peoples in the island’s history.

“The Anishinaabeg have called this island home since time immemorial, and it is important that their story is shared today and for future generations,” said Christian Overland, the Ruth and Hartley Barker Director & CEO for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “We are honored to be part of this dedication and we thank the William G. Pomeroy Foundation for their generous support that allowed the project to move forward.”

In 2021, The Wisconsin Historical Society received a $75,190 grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation supporting a three-year project to re-envision the state historical markers program. Year two of the project focuses on removal and replacement of state historical markers that contain outdated or inaccurate information about Native histories.

The dedication event was part of 1854 Treaty Day Commemoration activities taking place on the island and included remarks from Bad River Chairman Mike Wiggins Jr., Red Cliff Chairwoman Nicole Boyd, and Wisconsin Historical Society Director & CEO Christian Overland. Red Cliff elder Rob Goslin Sr. offered an opening prayer. The treaty, which was signed at La Pointe on Sept. 30, 1854, established permanent reservations in Wisconsin and neighboring states and stopped the forced removal of the Ojibwe from Wisconsin. The Ojibwe retained extensive rights to use these lands, including hunting and fishing rights. Today the treaty is commemorated as a celebration of Tribal sovereignty.

Visitors to the Madeline Island Museum are invited to view the site’s 2023 seasonal exhibit, “Convergence,” featuring works by seven Anishinaabe artists including Valaria Tatera, Leah Yellowbird, Karen Savage-Blue, Karen Goulet, Terri Hom, Ramona Morrow and Rita Vanderventer. The museum is open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until the season ends on Oct. 21.

Click here to view photos from the Mooningwanekaaning historical marker dedication.

About the Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.

About Madeline Island Museum

The Madeline Island Museum is one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. Founded in 1958, it tells the stories of Madeline Island and the surrounding region. Madeline Island is the homeland of the Anishinaabe people and one of the earliest areas of European settlement in the state. Mooningwanekaaning is the Ojibwe name for Madeline Island meaning place of the yellow breasted flicker bird. The site includes several historic buildings as well as the modern Capser Center Gallery where visitors can view special exhibits, watch films about island history, attend lectures, and participate in workshops. Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society since 1968, the museum is located in La Pointe, a half block from the ferry dock. Visit madelineislandmuseum.org or call (715) 747-2415 for more information. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to this site during regular operating hours.

About the Pomeroy Foundation

The William G. Pomeroy Foundation® is committed to supporting the celebration and preservation of community history; and working to improve the probability of finding appropriate donor matches or other life-saving treatments for blood cancer patients. Established by Trustee Bill Pomeroy in 2005 to bring together his two greatest passions, the Pomeroy Foundation is a private, philanthropic organization located in Syracuse, N.Y. As the nation’s leading funder of historical roadside markers, the Pomeroy Foundation has awarded more than 2,100 grants for markers and bronze plaques in 48 states and Washington, D.C. To learn more about the Pomeroy Foundation, visit wgpfoundation.org.