Robert A. Birmingham

press release: Author Talks at “Top of State” continues July 30 with "Life, Death, and Archaeology at Fort Blue Mounds" with author Robert A. Birmingham

Enjoy summer the long days of summer while discovering Wisconsin history at outdoor author talks from the Wisconsin Historical Museum as part of the “Top of State” summer event series in downtown Madison.  Upcoming “after work” author talks are the last Thursdays in July and August at “30 on the Square,” 100 N. Carroll St., where State St. meets the Capitol Square (Rain location: Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 N. Carroll St.)  Details and updates are at top-of-state.com, or call 608-512-1342

Thursday, July 30; 5:00-6:15 pm

About the Book: Archaeologist and author Robert A. Birmingham discusses his book "Life, Death, and Archaeology at Fort Blue Mounds," an archaeological detective story illuminating the lives of white settlers in the lead-mining region during the tragic events of the historically important conflict known as the Black Hawk War. Focusing on the strategically located Fort Blue Mounds in southwestern Wisconsin, Birmingham summarizes the 1832 conflict and details the history of the fort, which played a major role not only in US military and militia operations but also in the lives of the white settlers who sought refuge there. Birmingham also transports us to the site decades later, when he and fellow Wisconsin Historical Society archaeologists and dedicated volunteers began their search for the fort. The artifacts they unearthed provide fascinating - and sometimes surprising - insights into the life, material culture, and even the food of the frontier.

Recommended for readers interested in the Black Hawk War, frontier life, Native American history, military history, and archaeology, "Life, Death, and Archaeology at Fort Blue Mounds" is grounded by a sense of place and the discovery of what a careful examination of our surroundings can tell us about the past.

About the Author: Robert A. Birmingham served for many years as Wisconsin State Archaeologist at the Wisconsin Historical Society. He now teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha and writes from his home in Madison. He is the recipient of the 2005 Steinberg Prize from the University of Wisconsin Press for "Indian Mounds of Wisconsin," written with Leslie E. Eisenberg; the 2005 Merit Award for history from the Midwest Independent Publishers Association for "Aztalan: Mysteries of an Ancient Indian Town," written with Lynne G. Goldstein; the Increase A. Lapham Medal from the Wisconsin Archeological Society; and a 2007 Wisconsin State Park Hero award for his work promoting Aztalan State Park.