Mid America Geographic Foundation
Winter Solstice Sunset, A view of the landscape from Oechsner Farm, Ashford, Wisconsin
WELCOME TO OUR WEB SITE
The Mid-America Geographic Foundation is an archaeology organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of ancient archaeological sites in North America, mainly in and around Central and Northeastern Wisconsin. It is dedicated to public education regarding scientific, cultural and social aspects of these sites and of similar sites in North America.
The Lake Winnebago area played an important part in the scheme of things for early man. One can canoe up or down the streams and rivers running into Lake Winnebago. With a short portage to certain other streams, one can then travel to such great water ways as the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, and the Great Lakes. This provided an excellent opportunity for early man to travel and trade through most of what is now North America. The area is believed to have once had a large Native American population. Their remains can still be found. It is not uncommon for area farmers to have a magnificent collection of arrowheads.
The rich historical heritage of Wisconsin and perhaps around the world is in troubled waters. Urban expansion, industry and modern farming techniques endanger ancient remains. Wisconsin and the U.S. Government are concerned about this problem and have set up policies to protect Native American Sites and artifacts. Wisconsin, for instance, gives a property tax exemption for the area within a state registered site. It also maintains a list of archaeologists to officially identify a site and give it a registration number.
The main problem is getting the cooperation of landowners, industry and cities to identify possible sites and then registering them for their protection. This can be the result of various fears, ignorance, indifference, selfish intents or misunderstandings. A way of providing education and appreciation for the protection and preservation of ancient and historical sites is what prompted the formation of Mid-America Geographic Foundation in 1993 by Bob Wirtz, Mary Torielli, David Stetter and Herman Bender.
Today we have matured into a group of people made up of residents, landowners, scientists, archaeologists, and educators. Member and archaeologist, Dr. John (Jack) Steinbring, is an international leader in the discovery and research of ancient archaeological sites and petroforms. In East Central Wisconsin we have some sites dating between 1,000 and 3,000 B.C.E. Other members have the unique opportunity to assist in scientific explorations, field work and visits to these sites. Local residents and professionals work together to help establish mechanisms to keep these sites protected. Field trips are offered several times a year.
The University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Ripon College, and Wisconsin Electric Power Co. have participated in projects with the Mid-America Geographic Foundation.
To read about research work done at the Peachy Site check out the following links.
Petroforms in the North American Mid-Continent, by Jack Steinbring, 2004
Current Research on Wisconsin Petroforms, by Jack Steinbring, 2003
Volunteers needed
We are currently working on an archeological dig in Central Wisconsin at one of Wisconsin's finest rock art sites. This is an ongoing project and your help is needed. Volunteers are expected to work for free, provide their own food and housing. If your are interested in participating or for more information please contact Dr. John (Jack) Steinbring.
Phone: 920-745-2937, Fax: 920-748-7243, E Mail: steinbringj@ripon.edu
Work will start up again in the spring mostly on the weekends.
LINKS OF INTEREST
Petroforms in the North American Mid-Continent, by Jack Steinbring, 2004
Current Research on Wisconsin Petroforms, by Jack Steinbring, 2003
IFRAO: International Federation of Rock Art Organizations
ARARA: American Rock Art Association
ESRARA : Eastern States Rock Art Association
Membership Form: Join Mid America Geographic Foundation
The Mid-America Geographic Foundation was formed in 1993 as a non-profit, educational/cultural organization under both U.S. and Wisconsin State laws.
Updated: 10/01/2008