“GOING WEST—A LONG time ago, when all the grandfathers and grandmothers of today were little boys and little girls or very small babies, or perhaps not even born, Pa and Ma and Mary and Laura and Baby Carrie left their little house in the Big Woods of Wisconsin.” This two-day workshop for teachers of grades 3-8 will connect you to the past through a Project Archaeology shelter investigation of an historic farmhouse in the prairie setting of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book series: Mankato and Walnut Grove, MN.
The first day of the workshop will take place at the Blue Earth County History Center in Mankato, MN with lessons and exhibits to enhance our learning of archaeology, historic photographs, and culture. On the second day we will “uncover” a farmhouse archaeological site exploring the geography, history, and artifacts of a real house on the prairie. Our investigation will conclude with a field trip to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Ingalls Dugout archaeological site. Teachers will also have the option to stay that evening in Walnut Grove to watch the famous Wilder Pageant.
The cost of this once-in-a-lifetime teacher workshop is $129 which includes lunches, a sack dinner, curriculum guides, and field trip to Walnut Grove museum.
Only 8 spots still available! Registration deadline has been extended to July 1, 2023.
One college credit is offered for an additional $23.00 paid to Southern Utah University. BONUS – you can attend the Wilder Pageant Saturday night, July 15th 7-11pm with a variety of seating options ranging from $18 – $25.
Meet the instructors:

Courtney Agenten, Network Director, Leadership Team Chair, Minnesota Coordinator

Samantha Kirkley, Professional Development Director, Utah Coordinator

Investigating the Puzzle House Pueblo incorporates authentic archaeological and historical research paired with oral histories to teach students about the use and importance of the Pueblo in the past and present lives of Hopi people.
This workshop will be held at the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center in Dolores, CO. The workshop includes lunches, a site tour, and CEUs (2 college credits optional). For more information and to apply, please contact Anna Arsic at aarsic@blm.gov or 970-882-5627.