Joe Zdziebko played a 1750s French Marine at “Life in the 1800s Up Close and Hands On,” held Saturday, Sept. 14 , at WACF in Syracuse. InkFreeNews photos by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — A piece of living history came alive at Chautauqua-Wawasee’s presentation, “Life in the 1800s: Up Close and Hands-On,” today, Saturday, Sept. 14 at Wawasee Area Conservatory Foundation in Syracuse.

There were multiple hand-on programs in the morning including a presentation on flintknapping and atlatl weapon demonstrations. There was also an opportunity to bring your own artifact and learn more about it. This was the fourth annual series of programs exploring the local history of northeastern Indiana.

September is Indiana Archaeology Month.

The event was part of “Digging through History” held Sept. 12-14 and presented by Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum and Chautauqua-Wawasee. The series of programs explored the local history of northeastern Indiana.

There were seven stations. They were: Five Medals Living History; a 1750s French Marine, played by Joe Zdziebko; flintknapping hands-on; atlatl weapon demonstrations; metal detecting in archaeology; Wade Tharp, an archaeologist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources; and bring your own artifacts.

Karen Kroemer of Chautauqua-Wawasee said, “It’s important to understand who lived here.”

Ann Garceau, also of Chautauqua-Wawasee, said “you have living history here.”

For more 2024 programs, visit www.chautauquawawasee.org or visit its Facebook page.

Angie Butler showed how metal detectors can play a key role in discovering historical artifacts.

Jim Bickel, left, and Michelle Edington showed a display of old artifacts.

Jamie Clemons of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum conducted an atlatl weapon demonstration.

Jeff Mesaros, far right, showed how native American artifacts were made by hand and about flintknapping. Also shown are Brent McAfee and Nick Brockelsby.

Mike Judson, left, talks to Nancy Harter at “Life in the 1800s: Up Close and Hands-On,” today, Saturday, Sept. 14.

Wade Tharp, an archaeologist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, discussed preserving archaeology.