Ancient Archaeology and Artifacts of Florence County

July 18, 2025



The next Outdoor Education program will be Wednesday, July 30th, at 6:00 pm in Florence featuring three professional archaeologists.  Kevin Akemann works as a Project Manager and Research Specialist at University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee doing work all over Wisconsin with particular expertise in LIDAR technology. Ryan J. Howell works for the Wisconsin Archaeological Society.  He has spent 30 years in the field conducting digs and research on sites from 7,000 years ago through the historic 1800's throughout Northern Wisconsin, including Florence County.  James Paquette Has served for over 35 years as an educator and public speaker, providing lectures and educational programs on various local/regional archaeological and local historical research projects and related topics.  He is from Negaunee with Anishinaabe and French Metis heritage thus his passion for UP archaeology.
 
Kevin, Ryan and Jim will discuss the Prehistory and History of Florence County.  They will highlight the known archaeological sites in the County and the questions they pose to archaeologists.  Their presentation will cover common ancient artifacts found in Florence County and how the public can help us better understand the ancient Native American history of Florence County and get involved.  Attendees are encouraged to bring in their artifacts so Ryan and Kevin can identify and date them.  Items such as ancient pottery, stone tools, spear-points, copper tools, knives etc. or anything from more recent history like fur trade items such as beads, gun parts, etc. If you think it is more than 100 years old, we'd like to see it and can tell you more about it!
 
This free program starts at 6:00 pm in the lower level conference room at the Florence Natural Resource Center building located on the corner of US 2 and Highway 101/70 in Florence (5628 Forestry Drive).  You may attend in person, or sign up to attend virtually via a Zoom link by registering at www.ExploreFlorenceCounty.com.  On the Events page click on this event and then click on “click here for virtual Zoom meeting link”.  

This particular program has come together with assistance from Brian and Christine Diel of Diel Insurance Group, The Florence County Historical Society and the Northwoods Geology Club.  The Florence County monthly Outdoor Education programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center and UW-Extension Florence County. 

click here to pre-register to attend this program virtually »

click here for press release »