A Master Plan for the Development of a Living History Laboratory at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station

Abstract

The primary purpose of this paper is to create a living history interpretive master plan for an original structure located at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, Amherst Junction, WI. This structure is the original hunting cabin of Mark Nelson, an early owner and resident of this 40 acre lakefront property. The master plan is a practical guide for creating a "living history laboratory" that includes a combined historical and ecological curriculum for environmental education and interpretation. The ultimate goal of the project is to combine living history and environmental education to give participants a unique view of our natural and human environments of the past. The past becomes a vehicle to help students understand the present and anticipate the future with regards to environmental issues.