Writings.

We reported not long ago that the Society received a proposal to draft a publishing proposal for the militia muster rosters of the Michigan Territory, circa 1832. These rosters, a copy of which is in private ownership, would fill an important knowledge gap in the understanding of militia companies raised during the Black Hawk War, and be a vital accompanyment to the Illinois militia rosters compiled by Ms. Ellen Whitney.

Currently, we are exploring a relationship with Phalanx Publishers for on-demand publishing capability. We have submittted a test manuscript on the "Battle of Bloody Lake" and will keep you appraised of the results! (On-demand publishing allows the Society to publsih and sell only the number of volumes it needs, without the requirement to fund large amounts of money up front for book runs of 500 or even 1,000 copies.) Once this test run is complete, the Society will draft its publication proposal for the muster rolls.

Preservation.

The Secretary has contacted DNR officials regarding the Wisconsin Heights Batlefield, in order to determining site needs and the receptivity of the DNR to supervising volunteer labor at the site. Happily, there is interest on the part of the DNR for proposed "work days" at the battlefield site in the ensuing months. A "change of command"" in DNR staff has added a new diamention to the discussions.

Likewise, the Society is exploring an Eagle Scout project at Wisconsin Heights, wereby numbered posts could be placed at sites of interest, with the posts indexed to an informative brochure co-written by the Society and the DNR. Hopefully more developments on this project idea will be forthcoming in the future!

Fort Jackson Marker, dedicated on May 4, 2002; downtown Mineral Point, Wisconsin. This marker has been recently relocated due to commerical construction in the area. Historical Markers.

One of the purposes of our Society is to mark specific historic sites of interest for future visitors and researchers. The Wisconsin Historical Society tabled its historic markers program until July, 2003 by reason of recent budget shortfalls. The marker program is again up and running. At the September, 2003 Society meeting, the need for marking sites of historical significance has again been raised, particularly in light of the possible commerical sale of land in or near important locations.

While the need to mark areas of historical significance remains, the Society has temporarily tables this project until the Annnual Meeting.

Dean Connors (L), Michele and Cliff Krainik at the dedication of the Fort Jackson historical marker, May 4, 2002.

In 2002, our Society donated a sum of money to the Mineral Point Historical Society to support the erection of a Wisconsin Historical Society marker commemorating the site of Fort Jackson, in downtown Mineral Point. This marker was formally dedicated in May 2002—- and the Society was flattered to be invited to the dedication and attendant festivities. The observances included a wonderful reception at its headquarters, Oak Lawn, and an excellent talk on the Black Hawk War by Mr. Cliff Krainik.