Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee has posted its summer calendar of events, which includes music, historic bike tours, afternoon programs and classic cars.
Through exhibits, outdoor interpretive trails and scenic overlooks the Michigan Iron Industry Museum tells the story of Michigan’s three iron ranges and the people who helped build modern America.
The 22-minute film “Iron Spirits – Life on the Michigan Iron Range,” shown seven times daily, presents the colorful story of immigrant and community life in the Upper Peninsula.
Located eight miles west of Marquette, the museum overlooks the Carp River and the site of the region’s first iron forge. Between 1848 and 1855, the Jackson Iron Company and its successors wrought iron from Negaunee’s Jackson mine. From that seed grew an industry that flourished for more than 125 years. It continues today at the Empire and Tilden open pit mines.
The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Scheduled programs and events include:
- May 17 – Museum Open House featuring White Water in concert at 1 and 2:30 p.m., new exhibits about the forge, and the rededication of the William G. Mather Auditorium and the Cliffs Gallery. Light refreshments will be served. The open house is from noon to 4 p.m.
- June 21 – “Iron, Steel and the Automobile: 26th Annual Antique Auto Exhibit” featuring more than 50 vintage vehicles and light trucks from the 1910s to 1969; live jazz and swing performances by the Keweenaw Bluffs Orchestra; music from the 1950s; and food concession.
- July 10, 17 and 24 – Iron Ore Heritage Bike Tours begin at 10 a.m.; preregistration and fee required.
- July 7 – “The Kawbawgam Cases: Native Claims and the Discovery of Iron Ore in the Upper Peninsula” with Rebecca Mead, Ph.D., Northern Michigan University.
- July 14 – “The Ongoing Quest for the Wreck of the Griffon” with Dean Anderson, Ph.D., state archaeologist, Lansing.
- July 21 – “Making Waves: Michigan’s Boat-Building Industry, 1865-2000” with Scott Peters, Michigan Historical Center, Lansing. Book signing to follow program.
- July 28 – “Decolonizing Diet Project: A Transformative Relationship with Food One Bite at a Time” with April Lindala, director, Center for Native American Studies, Northern Michigan University.
- Aug. 4 – “Marble Arms: A History of the Company and its Innovative Outdoor Products” with Craig Lauerman, president, Marble Arms, Gladstone.
- Aug. 11 – “Michigan’s Raptors: Birds of Prey” with Jerome Maynard, Chocolay Raptor Center, Marquette.
- Aug. 18 – “Beer in the Upper Peninsula: A History of Brewing Above the Bridge” with Russell Magnaghi, Ph.D., Northern Michigan University. Book signing to follow program.
- Oct. 3 – “Iron Ore and the Civil War” featuring Civil War artillery encampment, cannon and small arms demonstrations, costumed interpreters, and children’s games and activities.
The museum entrance is located on U.S. 41 E, 1 mile west of Junction M-35, in Negaunee Township.
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is one of 11 nationally accredited museums administered by the Michigan Historical Center, an agency within the Department of Natural Resources. For more information about events or programs call 906-475-7857 or visit www.michigan.gov/ironindustrymuseum.
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is one of 11 nationally accredited museums administered by the Michigan Historical Center, an agency within the Department of Natural Resources. For more information about events or programs call 906-475-7857 or visit www.michigan.gov/ironindustrymuseum.
