"Chickasaw during the Revolutionary War"

As perceived by the Chickasaw, the American Revolution was "brothers fighting brothers," and initially, they tried to stay out of the conflict. This talk will examine the Chickasaw Nation's role during the Revolutionary War through the lens of archaeology and genealogy. The presenter, Donna J. Rausch, will include some of her own family history.

About the Presenter:

Donna J. Rausch is a retired Historic Site Administrator with a deep passion for cultural research and preservation. A federally recognized member of the Chickasaw Nation, Donna holds a Master's in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archaeology from the University of Mississippi, where she researched historic Chickasaw communities and identified over 18,000 trade beads. Her career spans roles with the National Park Service, Missouri State Parks, and as an adjunct instructor of anthropology. Donna's work at the Felix Valle State Historic Site sparked a love for French colonial history, which she continues to explore through genealogy, reenactments, and basket weaving with her husband. Though retired, Donna remains actively engaged in historical research and interpretation from her home in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.