=Learn more about recent efforts to identify unmarked graves of Indigenous peoples in Winneshiek County at the next meeting of the Luther College Woman’s Club, to be held Tuesday, October 21, at 1:30 pm in Peace Dining Room, Luther College campus. Shuttle service from the Decorah Swimming Pool leaves at 1:10 p.m. In addition to the program, a short business meeting will be held. Attendees are asked to contribute $6 toward refreshments.
Colin Betts, Luther professor of anthropology, will present “Indigenous Peoples of Northeast Iowa,” which will explore his recent work with Luther students to identify unmarked graves at three pioneer cemeteries in Winneshiek County: Big Canoe Norwegian Methodist, Springwater Cemetery, and Crossroads/Metcalf Cemetery. Using advanced remote sensing technology and tools allowed the team to investigate sensitive and historically significant burial sites without disturbing the land and its surroundings. By combining survey-grade GPS mapping with ground-based sensing technologies, the team sought to detect subsurface anomalies that may indicate burial sites.