Information about MVAC Classroom Materials and Services
- MVAC’s Educator Resource Brochure – Classroom Presentations and Resources
- MVAC’s Archaeology Education Program
- Contact MVAC
- A Word About Our Materials
- Rental Information
- Matching Funds Program
- Available For Purchase
- Educator Training
- Summer School
- Area Exhibit
MVAC’s Educator Resource Brochure
The Educator Resource Brochure lists all the presentations and resources available to precollegiate instructors from MVAC’s Archaeology Education Program. We encourage you to contact MVAC early to ensure you receive the resources and presentations you want – when you want them.
Link to MVAC’s Educator Resource Brochure
Special thanks to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Humanities for grant funds to purchase new resources and hands-on materials for many of MVAC’s boxes.
MVAC’s Archaeology Education Program
Established in 1982, Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center (MVAC), is a research and education outreach organization located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. MVAC’s Archaeology Education Program provides a number of opportunities for precollegiate educators, students and the general public. Our programs introduce participants to ongoing scientific investigations and cultural resource preservation.
MVAC offers:
- Educator classes and workshops
- Field Schools for educators, high school students and the general public
- Summer youth classes
- Artifact Show
- Classroom presentations
- Resource materials
- Displays at the UWL Archaeology Center and Laboratories
Explore MVAC’s web site to find out more about these offerings!
Contact MVAC
For additional information on the Archaeology Education Program, its programs and resources, or to schedule resources or presentations contact:
Jean Dowiasch
Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
608.785.8454
or email – Jean
A Word about Our Materials
The Archaeology Education Program staff take great care to ensure the accuracy and quality of the materials that we provide. Grade level assignments are approximate and are provided only as a guide. Instructors are encouraged to preview the resource materials to ensure appropriateness. Boxes are available for viewing by appointment. We appreciate feedback from educators and students and consider this information when revising programs and purchasing new materials.
Rental Information
The Archaeology Education Program is located at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse (in the Archaeology Center & Laboratories). Materials are reserved on a first-come first-serve basis and can be picked up and dropped off at the Center – campus map. Resource materials may not be available for rental during the summer. Materials that can be shipped (shipping to be paid by the instructor) are noted in the catalog. A fine of $1.00 per day will be charged for any materials returned late. Cancellation of reserve requests and presentations must be made in writing, and received two weeks prior to the reservation date. Requests that are not appropriately canceled will be charged the regular fees. Users are responsible for all materials (inventory sheets provided), and will be charged replacement costs for any materials lost or damaged while in their possession. Fees and availability are subject to change.
Matching Funds Program
Limited funds may be available for the Matching Funds Program 2024-2025 school year.
The Matching Funds Program was set up to provide financial assistance to districts, schools, classes or educators that would like to use the services of Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center, but have limited funding available. This grant will provide funding on a dollar for dollar match basis, meaning that every dollar you provide may be matched by funds from the grant. Funds can be used to cover the costs of either presentations or resource rentals. Matching Fund awards are limited to a minimum of $20.00 and maximum of $100.00 for each instructor (more than one instructor may apply in any single school). Funds are to be equally matched by the instructor, school or district.
To be eligible for funds from the Matching Funds Program, contact Jean to obtain an application form. Applications can be attached to an email to Jean, faxed to 608.785.6474 or mailed to: Jean, MVAC UWL, 1725 State St., La Crosse, WI 54601. Priority will be given to districts, schools, classes or educators that have had limited or no contact with Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center. Award recipients will be notified by phone, email or mail. For more information on the Matching Funds Program contact Jean at 608.785.8454 or by emailing Jean.
Available For Purchase
The Archaeology Education Program has a variety of items for sale at our online shop.
Educator Training
The Archaeology Education Program offers a variety of opportunities for precollegiate instructors who are interested in increasing their knowledge of the science of archaeology and the pre-European history of the Upper Mississippi River area. A variety of workshops, university credit courses, and grant supported professional development opportunities for educators are offered.
Summer School
Is your school interested in creating an archaeology class for your summer school session? The Archaeology Education Program can provide experienced personnel to teach archaeology classes for your district. For more information email Jean or phone 608.785.8454.
Area Exhibit
Consider taking you class to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Archaeology Center and Laboratories displays to see exhibits focused on regional archaeology.
