The Panther Spirit Effigy Mound Project was a partnered effort between the Juneau County Historical Society and Olson Middle School with direct support from The Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center, The Ho-Chunk Nation and The Wisconsin State Historical Society to restore and preserve an endangered 1000 year old Panther Effigy Mound recently disclosed within Mauston city limits. The entire student body of Olson Middle School was actively involved in studying the known history of the site, conducting a thorough archaeological survey and preparing the site for preservation. The project was funded, in part, by a grant from the History Channel's Save Our History endowment.

Project activities included:

• Touring the National Effigy Mounds Monument in McGregor, IA.
• Learning and applying the skills of archaeology through field work.
• Deepening cultural awareness and participating in collaborative decision making to ensure the preservation of this rare and historic mound.
• Creation of a 1/2 scale panther effigy mound on Olson Middle School grounds for educational purposes.
• Creation of permanent exhibits highlighting the Panther Effigy Mound Project for display at the Juneau County Historical Society.

The primary goals for the Panther Spirit Project were:

• Restoration and preservation the Mauston Panther Spirit Effigy Mound.
• Creation of a permanent archive and exhibit of the project at Juneau County Historical Society.
• Promotion of cultural sensitivity and educational curriculum around indigenous peoples of Wisconsin for Olson Middle School.
• Providing public education through a documentary that preserves the legacy of the Panther Spirit Effigy Mound.