The Past Passed Here Returns to Tell Tales of Old Chippewa County
historical event features French fur trade era re-enactor camps, hands-on activities and games, food, and live music
Parker Reed, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
A historically inclined Chippewa Valley event is back for another season of highlighting the past that has impacted the area.
The Past Passed Here is set for May 12-15 at Marshall Park in Chippewa Falls. The event takes attendees back in time more than 150 years into Chippewa County’s living history. This award-winning public event has made an impact on the Chippewa Valley for years, specifically on school-aged kids who might not have known about the history of their home.
“This field trip has been a favorite for many years because students are involved in several hands-on activities and feel that they are getting a firsthand experience of life in the early days,” said Janel Seaholm, Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District community liaison. “Students were not able to attend over the past two years due to the pandemic and a great deal of enthusiasm has been generated knowing students will get this authentic experience again.”
Attendees of The Past Passed Here will be able to explore dozens of authentic French fur trade era re-enactor camps and participate in hands-on camp activities and games. Tours of the Mobile Lumberjack Museum, where patrons will be able to try their hand at logging camp skills, will also be offered. To top off the event, old-fashioned food and live music will be included to increase the sense of immersion into a bygone era.
The event was created to provide a full-day field trip for fourth-grade students who have been studying Wisconsin history. To date, more than 9,400 students have spent a day in camp participating in hands-on activities. The event augments their curriculum and allows them to experience local living history. This event incorporates historic clothing, tents, tools, and activities into interactive presentations that seek to give participants a sense of stepping back in time.
The Past Passed Here is set for May 12-15 at Marshall Park in Chippewa Falls. The event runs from 3-6pm May 12-13, 9am-6pm May 14, and 9am-3pm on May 15. Admission is $5 per person or $15 per family charge with children ages five and under admitted for free. For more information visit chippewacountywihistoricalsociety.org.
