Indian mission school is subject of presentation

The Wittenberg Area Historical Society plans to present “A History of the Bethany Indian Mission” at 1 p.m. Sept. 12, at the Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School auditorium, 400 W. Grand Ave., Wittenberg.

Betty Bergland, Ph.D., professor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls has interviewed students and staff from the Mission; examined the Bethany Indian Mission archives at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, and published articles on the complex and intriguing efforts of the mission.

Bethany Indian Mission was founded in Wittenberg by the Norwegian Lutheran Church in America and operated from the late 1880s to 1955. Bergland’s presentation will explore the mission’s complicated history.

The mission was moved many times until a substantial set of buildings was erected in the location of the present Witt-Birn High School. All that is left now is a historical marker near the ball diamond.

The historical society has gathered a panel to expand the scope of the presentation. Joining Bergland are Richard Gonzalez, a consultant on historical trauma; Susan Sihler, daughter of the Rev. E. Sihler, mission superintendent; Paul Rykken, grandson of the Rev. Rykken, mission superintendent; Dr. Verna Fowler, former College of Menominee Nation president; and Heather Bruegl, a Mohican cultural historian.

A $10 freewill donation is appreciated. For information, contact witthistsoc@gmail.com.