our STORY
About Us
Driftless Pathways is owned by Danielle Benden and Robert “Ernie” Boszhardt. We consult with museums and libraries on the design of new facilities and renovation of existing ones. We offer tours of archaeological sites, develop interpretive exhibits, and provide professional development training in curation and collections management.
Together, we co-direct the Trempealeau Archaeology Project in southwestern Wisconsin. Peeling back the layers of time, our excavations have unearthed the story of native people who journeyed hundreds of miles from their Cahokian homeland to the Upper Mississippi Valley. That story is told through the Trempealeau Interpretive Path (TRIP): two exhibit venues and the Little Bluff Mounds Trail that takes visitors to the earthen platform mounds built by Trempealeau’s ancient residents.
Our Experience
We created Driftless Pathways in 2017 to share six decades of experience with you. Ernie’s encyclopedic knowledge of Driftless Area archaeology combined with Danielle’s background in archaeology and museum studies provides the foundation for all that we do.
Whether you’re a member of the general public interested in learning more about Wisconsin’s history, a museum or library employee seeking guidance on your new facility or renovation project, or someone looking for professional development training in curation and collections management, Driftless Pathways is your resource.
What our
Customers
Are Saying
"We thoroughly enjoyed the archaeology field trip to Roche-a-Cri State Park and the New Lisbon area site to see effigy mounds. I cannot imagine two kinder, more thoughtful and more knowledgeable leaders than Danielle and Ernie." - Archaeology Tour Participant
Testimonials
"Driftless Pathways helped us with both a remodel of our existing space and an addition to our museum. The ideas were creative, beautiful and cost effective. We now have efficient space for exhibits, storage and displays. We couldn't be happier with the results."
-Becky Johnson, Blanchardville Historical Society