Oneida Historic Interpreter’s Dugout Canoe to be Launched August 31st

(Allouez, WI) On Saturday, August 31st, at noon, Heritage Hill State Historical Park will present a unique living history opportunity to the public – courtesy of Jason (Oneida name, Lakalakone pronounced la-ga-la-go-nee), a talented historic interpreter from the Oneida Nation.

Over the summer Jason has been hand-crafting an authentic dugout canoe from a centuries-old tree in the Fur Trade area of Heritage Hill, offering a rare glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Oneida people. This is especially significant, following the recent discovery of ancient canoes in Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin.

The dugout or burned out canoe, a vital means of transportation and trade for many Native American tribes, symbolizes the ingenuity and resilience of indigenous cultures. 

The canoe launch will take place on the shores of the Fox River a short walk from the Fur Trade area of Heritage Hill. The canoe will make a second voyage on Sunday, September 1st at 2 pm. Additionally, on this same weekend, there will be a fall encampment in the Fur Trade area with British Soldiers, French Fur Traders, and 18th century craftspeople.

Heritage Hill is excited and proud to fully live out its mission of celebrating the diverse cultural ties that bind our communities together during this historic launch.

About Heritage Hill

Heritage Hill State Historical Park is a unique living-history open air museum dedicated to enriching the lives of others by sharing Northeast Wisconsin’s diverse cultural and historic ties that bind our communities together. With 56-acres and 27 historic buildings that house over 9,000 artifacts, the park strives to be regarded as the leading interpreter of Northeast Wisconsin’s historical and cultural legacies using innovative interpretive techniques that engage, entertain, and educate the public. Heritage Hill is open year-round with the majority of programming from May through October.

Although Heritage Hill has the term “state park,” in its name, the park is managed and funded by the Heritage Hill Corporation with the Heritage Hill Foundation, local 501(c)3 non-profit entities that lease land from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 

For more information on other Park initiatives, news, and events, call (920) 448-5150 or visit www.heritagehillgb.org.