Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin

press release: The Great Lakes region is home to one of the largest freshwater resources on the planet. That water shaped the landscape, history, and communities of our state. The Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling exhibit "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin” will be on display at the Verona Public Library from January 24 through February 19, 2019.  Through reproductions of historic and contemporary photographs and documents, the exhibit explores our state's long relationship with water and the impact we have had on our vast waterways.

The Wisconsin Historical Society gratefully acknowledges the Herzfeld Foundation, Wisconsin Humanities Council, and Ralph Evinrude Foundation for their generous support of "Great Lakes Small Streams."

Related events:

Wednesday, January 23, 7 - 8 p.m.: People of the Sturgeon:  Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Lake sturgeon, an ancient fish native to the Great Lakes region, can grow to be more than six feet long, 200 pounds, and live more than 100 years. This "dinosaur fish" once teetered on the brink of extinction, but in Wisconsin, careful management for over 100 years has allowed one population to thrive. On Wednesday, January 23, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Verona Public Library, Kathleen Schmitt Kline, coauthor of People of the Sturgeon:  Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish, will highlight some of the milestones in the management of this unique fish.

People of the Sturgeon is a history of the cultures surrounding lake sturgeon in Wisconsin's Lake Winnebago region, told by a fascinating collection of photos, artifacts, and a few good fish tales. From some of the earliest inhabitants of Wisconsin, the Menominee Indian Tribe, to the spearers who flock to frozen Lake Winnebago for the annual sturgeon spearing season, people have always been drawn to this ancient fish.

Tuesday, January 29, 7 - 8 p.m.: Maritime Archaeology and Shipwrecks of Wisconsin

With cold, clear water, Wisconsin’s Great Lakes allow maritime archaeologists to document and record historic shipwrecks in incredible detail. On Tuesday, January 29, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Verona Public Library, Maritime archaeologist Caitlin Zant will discuss how maritime archaeologists at the Wisconsin Historical Society successfully document and help preserve more than 700 shipwrecks in Wisconsin’s Great Lakes waters.

Zant will explain what maritime archaeology is and how it can help us better understand Wisconsin’s history. She will also discuss how the state’s maritime history remains an important part of Wisconsin’s heritage today. The presentation will include photos and video of some historic Wisconsin shipwrecks.

Thursday, January 31, 7-8 p.m.: City of Verona Water Resources: Where Does Verona’s Water Come From and Where Does It Go?

We often take our water for granted, but there’s more to our water supply than just turning on the tap.  Marty Cieslik, construction manager for the city of Verona’s Public Works Department, will discuss the Sugar River watershed, where our water comes from, and where it goes after we use it, at the Verona Public Library on Thursday, January 31, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Monday, February 4, 7 - 8 p.m.: Wisconsin Lighthouses

The lighthouse is a historical beacon, and there are many that dot Wisconsin’s shores. Ken and Barb Wardius, authors and photographers of Wisconsin Lighthouses: A Photographic and Historical Guide, will share their research and stunning photos at the Verona Public Library on Monday, February 4, from 7 to 8 p.m. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing.

This presentation is part of a program series relating to the Wisconsin Historical Society traveling exhibit “Great Lakes Small Steams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin”, on display at the Verona Public Library from January 24 through February 19.  The Wisconsin Historical Society gratefully acknowledges the Herzfeld Foundation, Wisconsin Humanities Council, and Ralph Evinrude Foundation for their generous support of "Great Lakes Small Streams."

Wednesday, February 6, 7 - 8 p.m.: Bacteria in Freshwater

Bacteria, both helpful and harmful, can be found in most bodies of fresh water. Learn more about these tiny organisms on Wednesday, February 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Verona Public Library. Alexandra Linz, a PhD student in microbiology at UW-Madison, will discuss the importance of bacteria in ecosystems, the challenges of studying the ecology of bacteria, and why freshwater bacteria sometimes close down beaches near you.

Tuesday, February 12, 7 - 8 p.m.: Plastics in the Great Lakes: What to Know & What to Do About It

Marine debris is defined as any persistent solid material that is disposed or abandoned in the marine or aquatic environment. It’s a global problem as well as one in our own backyard and is a threat to our environment, navigation safety, the economy, and human health. One type of marine debris, plastics, is of particular concern. On Tuesday, February 12, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Verona Public Library, Anne Moser, Senior Special Librarian from the UW-Madison Wisconsin Water Library, will provide an introduction to the history and science of plastics, and share what we can do to reduce our plastics footprint.

This exhibit is free and open to the public.