Praise on the Prairie

Juliette Kinzie, the Indian agent's wife who lived in the agency house, recalled the visit of Reverend Aratus Kent from Galena, IL, in 1833—the first Protestant itinerant minister to preach at Portage. She spoke of her Fort Winnebago sewing society's efforts to work toward supporting a permanent minister at the fort. In the absence of such a pastor, Juliette wrote in her memoir (Wau-Bun) about holding afternoon gatherings at the agency house which likely included many hymns played on her Nunns & Clark piano which was hauled by boat all the way from New York to frontier Wisconsin in 1830. Juliette's faith continued to be one of the defining aspects of her later life and work in early Chicago after the Kinzies' departure from Portage in 1833.
 
"Praise on the Prairie" offers an opportunity to experience the music, faith, and charitable spirit that were central to Juliette Kinzie's life and learn more about the history that happened right here almost two centuries ago. Enjoy live Christian music performed outdoors, as well as a visit from an 1830s circuit-riding preacher. Play some historical outdoor games (graces, hoop-rolling, and croquet) with your family.  Browse our gift shop. Hike our "Stories of the Land" trailway. Have a picnic. Take a tour of the museum.
 
If you bring a new blanket or quilt to the event to donate to the Orphan Grain Train, you will receive a coupon for a free family tour of the Agency House to be used any time during our 2021 season. (We are open for tours 12-5 on event day.)

 
 
Admission to Praise on the Prairie is free, courtesy of the Brakebush Family Foundation.