RMW-002: Missing Artifacts from the Wisconsin Historical Society
Hundreds of artifacts were taken from the Wisconsin Historical Society's Native American Ethnographic Collection.
Roadshow's Most Wanted Case Number
RMW-002
Date of Incident
September, 2000
Seeker
Wisconsin Historical Society
Location
Madison, Wisconsin
Items Sought
Over 400 artifacts, most from the Native American Ethnographic Collection
Case Status
Ongoing
Case Summary
In the fall of 2000, the Wisconsin Historical Society made a shocking discovery: hundreds of artifacts from their collection had been taken, and one of their own ex-staff members was a primary suspect. In October 2001, former WHS curator, David Wooley, plead guilty to 14 counts of felony theft and 3 counts of failing to file a state tax return. Hundreds of artifacts remain at large.
Resources
Wisconsin Historical Society Native American Object Recovery Effort
Contact Info
paul.bourcier@wisconsinhistory.org | 608-264-6573
Beaded pouch, Blackfoot (front): Beaded leather pouch and beaded leather strap. Pouch beaded on both sides with yellow, green, blue, and red beads. Strap decorated with white, blue, and yellow beads. Pouch is 6" x 9". Said to be Blackfoot. Bought by donor at Glacier Park in 1924. Gift of Elsa Fauerbach, 1961.
Related
RMW-001: Stolen California Plein Air Collection
RMW-003: Colorado Unclaimed Property Division
RMW-004: Lost New Deal Artwork
RMW-005: Missing Norman Rockwell Coca-Cola Illustrations
RMW-006: Stolen Artworks from Hobcaw Barony
RMW-007: The Missing Norman Studios Film Reels
RMW-008: The Apollo Theater Archive
