Library Now Open Saturdays 9 am - 12 pm

Spirits of Earth: Ancient Native American Effigy Mounds of Wisconsin

Native peoples have occupied what is now the state of Wisconsin for over 13,000 years, first arriving at the end of the glacial period. Populations grew through time and cultures became increasing more complex. After 500 B.C native peoples began the custom of burying the dead under earthen mounds. Between AD 700 and 1100 mound building exploded throughout southern Wisconsin and became much more elaborate- taking the form of sometimes vast landscapes of burial mounds made as effigies of animals, supernatural beings, and even human beings. Modern day Columbia and Dodge Counties are at the geographical heart of this remarkable cultural development that is unique in the world and called the Effigy Mound Cultural Complex. This presentation explores what is known about the effigy mounds and the world of the effigy mound builders with examples drawn from the Columbus region.

Robert Birmingham is the former Wisconsin and professor at UW-Waukesha. Now retired, he continues to write books and articles on various archaeological and historical topics. His most book is a second edition Indian Mounds of Wisconsin (UW Press) co-authored with Amy Rosebrough.

Join us on Thursday, April 22 at 6:30PM CST for a live event.

You may view this event on a laptop, smart phone, tablet or computer.

To register, please fill out the form here . You will receive a confirmation email shortly after submitting this form. This confirmation email will not include the event link. The event link will be sent to the email provided within 24 hours of the live event.

Please contact catherine@columbuspubliclibrary or call 920-623-5910 with any questions regarding this program.

Know Before You Go:

Please practice physical distancing in the library. Masks are required. Handwashing stations and masks will be available in the library. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Please limit your visit to 30 minutes. Curbside service will still be available during all open hours. Public use computers and printing are available. No meetings or programs will be held in the library community room or meeting room at this time.

The outdoor book-drop is open.

Thank you for your trust and understanding while we work together to make the library a safe place for our community. We are excited to see you at the library!

Curbside Pick Up Information:

Place requests for library materials HERE

Or call 920-326-4640, send an email to , or place a hold on LinkCat

We are now offering curbside service! We are excited to serve you again and we are working hard to give you access to our materials in a way that protects the safety of our community and library staff. At this time we are only loaning materials that are owned by our library—including DVDs, Blu-Ray, Audio Books, Magazines, and Books.

Information we need from you when you make a reqest:

1. Your Name or Library Card #

2. Your phone # so we can schedule pick-up

3. Title / Author information

4. Can we make substitutions with similar titles or authors if we cannot find what you are looking for?

*If you wish to return items, please put them in the book drop —they will be quarantined before being checked-in

Thank you for your patience during this time!

Check Out E-books and Audiobooks with Libby!

Did you know that you can checkout e-books and audiobooks for free with your library card? Now is it easier than ever to access e-materials on your phone, tablet, or e-reader by using the Libby app from Overdrive. Learn more by clicking the image above or stop by the Hutchinson Memorial Library today to talk to our librarian or schedule an appointment to learn how to download and use the Libby app!

Library Book Club

Read along with the Book Club and join us at the library! The Book Club meets every month at 10 am on a Tuesday. All are welcome to join. For questions about the book club call the library at 920-326-4640 or email

2020 Book Club Picks:

January 14th A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

February 11th At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen

March 10th The Tuscan Child by Rhys Bowen

April 14th The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

May State of Wonder by Ann Patchett