Time to Shine – The Look Back – PBS Wisconsin Education

How does a sundial compass give us direction about people coming to the area that is now Wisconsin?

The first Europeans in the area that is now Wisconsin were likely French explorers and fur traders who began arriving in the 1600s and continued trading in the area after the French and Indian War. The Le Maire Sundial points us to this time and the history of northeastern Wisconsin.

Let's take a look

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Questions to consider

Colorful circle with pattern and zigzag with the number one in the center

What can we tell about where this sundial came from by looking at it?

Colorful circle with pattern and zigzag with the number two in the center

What was happening in Wisconsin around the time that this sundial is from?

Colorful circle with pattern and zigzag with the number three in the center

What could a sundial like the one in the episode be used for? Who might use it?

Meet the historians

Beth looking to the left while smiling

Beth Kowalski

Museum Director

I lead a fantastic team that collects, preserves, and shares the items and stories of our northeastern Wisconsin community!

Beth looking to the left while smiling

Beth Kowalski

Museum Director

A microplane zester/grater for citrus and cheese

My go-to time-telling device is usually my iPhone, however sometimes I still wear a watch.

The latitude and longitude of my hometown are 44°25′26″N, 87°59′10″W.

Kacie looking to the right and smiling

Kacie Lucchini Butcher

Public Historian

I find and share stories from the past that have shaped our present, and love showing people how cool history is!

Kacie looking to the right and smiling

Kacie Lucchini Butcher

Public Historian

Espresso machine

My go-to time-telling device is usually my Apple Watch.

The latitude and longitude of my hometown are 43°51′6″N, 91°14′45″W.

Cat looking to the left while smiling

Cat Phan

Digital Archivist

I take care of photos and videos and sound recordings so they last for a long time into the future!

Cat looking to the left while smiling

Cat Phan

Digital Archivist

My Japanese rice cooker!

My go-to time-telling device is usually my cell phone if I’m being honest.

The latitude and longitude of my hometown are 43°04′23″N, 89°24′04″W.

Beth talking about the history of the sundial

“You have to imagine this was a crossroads here in Northeastern Wisconsin of different people and different cultures meeting.”

Beth Kowalski

Episode credits

Producer
David Boffa

Coordinating Producer
Mia Forslund

Hosts
Kacie Lucchini Butcher
Cat Phan

Research and Writing
Louise Pfotenhauer
David Boffa
Mia Forslund

Special Guest
Beth Kowalski

Director of Photography
Ryan Hendricks

Videography
Ryan Hendricks
Ian Glodich
David Boffa

Editing
David Boffa
Ian Glodich

Captioning
Catie Pfeifer

Translation Services
Rev

Educator Support Materials
David Boffa
Mia Forslund
Kate Melberg

Web Design
Charles Barrows
Erika Kachama-Nkoy

Web Development
John Vieth

Graphic and Motion Design
Charles Barrows
Ian Glodich
Danielle Riseley

Additional Production Support
Philip Ashby
Al Barcheski
John Dachik
Angie Hause
Kurt Kaspar
Andy LaValley
Doug May
Will Salzmann

Executive Producer
Director of Education
Megan Monday

Director of Television
Jon Miskowski

Project Partners
Rebecca M. Blank Center for Campus History
University of Wisconsin–Madison Libraries
Wisconsin Historical Society

Special Thanks
Beth Kowalski
Louise Pfotenhauer
Neville Public Museum
UW–Madison Libraries

Educator advisors

Debbie Burmeister
Neenah, WI
Peoria, AZ

Erin Ermis
Neenah Joint School District
Neenah, WI

Toni Heinowski
Muskego, WI

Tanya Schmidt
Oshkosh Area School District
Oshkosh, WI

Barb Shaver
Kettle Moraine School District
Wales, WI

Funding Provided By

Timothy William Trout Education Fund
a gift of Monroe and Sandra Trout

Eleanor and Thomas Wildrick Family

Focus Fund for Education

Friends of PBS Wisconsin