Museum summer programming concluded this week. Some guests enjoyed a guided walk through Lakeview Cemetery while others participated in an open mic storytelling hour on museum grounds. Both benefitted from perfect summer weather.

Thank You, Tim 

Farewell Open House, Friday August 30, 10-11am

Tim Hirsch won the museum's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament bracket challenge this year, but Tim has achieved much more than this over the last two years. Tim's second term as CVM’s first-ever Program Assistant AmeriCorps member concludes August 31st. Museum staff is hosting a public Open House from 10:00-11:00 am, Friday Aug 30th to celebrate Tim’s accomplishments. Anyone who’s enjoyed working alongside Tim as a museum volunteer, blood drive organizer, or winter gear-share advocate is encouraged to join us in offering thanks to Tim for his service!

Gathering of the Waters Powwow

Carson Park, Saturday, September 21, 11am - 6pm

Hosted by the Supporting Indigenous Peoples Mayo Employee Resource Group

This traditional powwow is being organized by a Mayo Health System employee group. As a partner, Chippewa Valley Museums will be open for free during the event. Indigenous Artists Jennifer Gouge and Kelly "Zhwan" Martinson will host workshops from 11am - 1 pm on museum grounds. Jennifer's immersion installation piece "Resurge/Alight/Burrow" will provide opportunities for growth and healing for Indigenous community members and allies.

Upcoming Museum Programs

Book Talk

Tuesday, September 10, 6:30pm

Most people have heard some tale about Al Capone and the northwoods. Here's your chance to find out more about Hayward's connection to Chicago gangsters. On Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30 pm, author Patricia Lacey will cover all kinds of summer adventures when she discusses her recent book, Historic Hayward and Sawyer County Sketches. 

 Admission for attendance at this program is waived as part of “Free Second Tuesdays,” made possible with Eau Claire County/City support.

Historic Hoochless Hootenanny

Mocktail Event at Schlegelmilch House

Friday, September 13, 6:00-7:30pm

Join former restaurant owner Andrew Mercil as he guides you through crafting mocktails. Each participant gets to create three mocktails and take home awesome tips for their next drink experiments. Enjoy music by Garden Party too!

Secure your spot now - only 25 slots available.

Cost: $25, $5 Member discount (remember to log-in)  

Museums Hours Change After Labor Day

I hope your summer filled you with as many good memories as mine did. Best wishes to all educators and students going back to school, and good luck to all parents who need to get back into a school-year routine -- or start one for the very first time. It will get easier. 

Peace,

Carrie Ronnander
Executive Director, Chippewa Valley Museums

PS - I promised a US Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship wrap-up in the last newsletter, and a wrap-up you'll get. 

The four-day event drew about 1,100 visitors, 30 carvers, 30 family and friends of carvers, and at last count, 156 volunteers (there are still some names coming in). The 150+ volunteers donated more than 850 hours of service between July 31st - August 4th. 

It was a high energy and visually stunning four days (but why did the hottest stretch of summer have to happen then?). Regardless of the weather, many good memories were made. I am thankful for all the support provided by volunteers, service clubs, museum members, sponsors, local businesses, and residents. 

The US Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship was a wonderful event, and it will be the last one here under that name.

Jamie Doeren started the US Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship in 2010. Wisconsin Logging Museum hired Doeren in 2011 to bring the event to Eau Claire. The logging museum, and then Chippewa Valley Museums, worked with him every year since. Doeren, an outstanding chainsaw carver himself, has decided to re-imagine the event he named and first developed. This includes changing venues. In other words, the US Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship will not be held in Eau Claire next year. I do not know where it will be held, or when, or what it will look like. I do know I'm grateful for all that Jamie and the other carvers brought to the museums and to the community over the years. Thank you for the memories and the many beautiful carvings throughout our region.

What comes next? I don't know, to be honest. In some ways, this change comes at a good time. Chippewa Valley Museums has the opportunity to start something new. This new event can take the best from both the Wisconsin Logging Museum and former Chippewa Valley Museum and reflect who we are today as an organization. Like every program and event we do, we will develop something that looks to the future while respecting the past. We will consider how to best use available human and financial resources, and we will try to meet as many needs and desires as possible.

This is an exciting time, thinking about and discussing a new signature event. I welcome your input.