Nov. 20, 2007

Visitors to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee Township on Sunday, Dec. 2, will get a jump on the holiday season, as the museum offers book signings and seasonal refreshments from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  That date also marks the start of extended holiday hours (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) on weekdays through Dec. 21 to better serve school groups, organizations, local residents and travelers interested in learning about Michigan's iron ore heritage.

Featured authors on Dec. 2 will include Russell M. Magnaghi, with his just-released "Cornish in Michigan"; Lon L. and Lynn McGlothlin Emerick, offering a new edition of "Superior Peninsula" as well as a selection of recent publications including "You Wouldn't Like It Here:  A Guide to the Real Upper Peninsula of Michigan," "Going Back to Central" and "Lumberjack:  Inside an Era in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan"; and Thomas Friggens, "No Tears in Heaven:  The 1926 Barnes-Hecker Mine Disaster."

The new Museum Store offers a wide selection of "pure Michigan" holiday gift ideas, including books, apparel, toys, puppets and games, as well as custom-made agate and beach stone jewelry, holiday ornaments and stocking stuffers.

"Iron Industry Heritage Plaques that honor families, businesses, organizations and schools also provide a special gift opportunity and a chance to invest in our region's heritage," said store manager Diane Phillips.  The colorful plaques, which weave throughout the museum, become a permanent part of the exhibits and qualify for Michigan tax credits.

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is one of 11 nationally accredited museums administered by the Michigan Historical Center, an agency within the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  The museum will be open by appointment during normal office hours, from Jan. 2 through mid-April.  For more information, call the museum at (906) 475-7857 or visit www.michigan.gov/ironindustrymuseum.

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries is dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity.  In addition to the Michigan Historical Center, HAL includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Film Office.  To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.  

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).