By Correne Martin
The Prairie du Chien Historical Society is the recipient of two grants, from the National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) and the Alliant Energy Foundation, totaling nearly $7,000. The NEH Project Assistance Grant for $5,999 will be used toward planning, supplies and staff training for the preservation of a photographic collection documenting community history. Alliant’s $1,000 community grant will assist in the conservation of several murals removed from the former Wyalusing Academy/St. Mary’s Academy in Prairie du Chien.
Included among the approximately 10,000 photographs in the historical society’s collection are images of the community’s schools, churches, homes, railroads, downtown street scenes and businesses; events such as floods, fires and parades; economic activities such as commercial fishing and clamming; and particular areas such as the Villa Louis Historic Site, St. Feriole Island, Fort Crawford Hospital and Mississippi River.
