April 26, 2007

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum today announced its summer 2007 calendar of events, a full schedule of summer fun for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether tastes run from music, theater and 19^th-century children's games to costumed performances, classic cars and Civil War artillery demonstrations, visitors to Negaunee's Michigan Iron Industry Museum are in for a "pure Michigan" treat. A special weekend symposium July 14-15 will offer guests in-depth examination of the role of Michigan's iron industry during World War II.

In addition, a July/August weekday lecture series will cover the archaeology of Grand Island, the manufacture of mine explosives and a mining company's experiments in agriculture, as well as stories of Cornish immigrants, a Danish lumberjack and Norwegian skiers.

Located in the forested ravines of Negaunee Township eight miles west of Marquette, the Michigan Iron Industry Museum tells the story of Michigan's three iron ranges and the hard-working immigrants who helped build modern America.

"For summer travelers seeking a unique Great Lakes experience, or for local residents who want to learn more about their own heritage, the Iron Industry Museum offers many opportunities to experience the sights, sounds and everyday life of Michigan's iron-manufacturing era," said Tom Friggens, a regional manager with the Michigan Historical Center.

Overlooking the Carp River and the site of the region's first iron forge, exhibits and outdoor paths interpret the large-scale capital and human investment that made Michigan an industrial leader. An 18-minute slide program, shown seven times daily, presents the colorful story of immigrant and community life in the Upper Peninsula.

A temporary exhibit that opened in 2006 traces recent archaeological investigation of the Carp River Forge. "Secrets of a Buried Past: Clues from the Carp River Forge" displays for the first time forge artifacts dating back to the beginning of Michigan's iron industry.

Visitors will also enjoy a new museum store offering a wide selection of unique books, games, jewelry, apparel and other Michigan-related specialty items.

Museum events are funded in part by visitor donations and the Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board's Frank G. Matthews, Sr. Memorial Fund.

Scheduled activities for 2007 include:

• May 20 - Museum open house, with "White Water" in concert, featuring traditional music from Michigan's past and light refreshments; concert tickets $7 per adult; $3 ages 5-12; children under 5 free.
   
• June 17 - "Iron, Steel and the Automobile: 18^th Annual Antique Auto Exhibit," featuring more than 50 vintage automobiles and light trucks from the 1910s to 1969; live jazz and swing performances by the Bluffs Orchestra; model car demonstrations; clowns; and food concession.
   
• July 10 - Lecture Series: "The Explosive Story of the Atlas Powder Company," Bill Haller.
   
• July 14 and 15 - Public Symposium: "Shield of Steel: Iron Ore and the Arsenal of Democracy," observing Michigan's contributions in World War II.
   
• July 17 - Lecture Series: "The Archaeology of Grand Island: Five Seasons of Field Work on Lake Superior's Shoreline," Jim Skibo, Illinois State University.
   
• July 24 - Lecture Series: "'Quite an Experiment:' CCI Attempts to Promote Agriculture on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, 1895-1915," Terry Reynolds, Michigan Technological University.
   
• July 28 and 29 - "Discoverers and Surveyors: Exploring the U.P.," living-history encampment featuring costumed interpreters, early surveying instruments, demonstrations and guest speakers from the Michigan Museum of Surveying.
   
• July 31 - Lecture Series: "Lumberjack, Lover and Inventor: A Danish Immigrant's Story in the Upper Peninsula," Howard Nicholson, Northern Michigan University.
   
• Aug. 7 - Lecture Series: "Mining's Our Bread, but Skiing's Our Soul: Carl Tellefsen and Norwegian Leadership Pioneering American Skiing," Tom West, U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum.
   
• Aug. 11 and 12 - "Iron Ore and the Civil War," Civil War living-history encampment featuring military and civilian camp life, cannon and small-arms demonstrations; cooking demonstrations; dramatic portrayals of Sarah Edmonds and Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln; children's games and activities; and period music by "Homegrown Strings."
   
• Aug. 21 - Lecture Series: "The Cornish in Michigan," Russell Magnaghi, Northern Michigan University.

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is one of 11 nationally accredited museums administered by the Michigan Historical Center. It is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 30 through Oct. 31. Admission is free; donations are encouraged. For more information call the museum at (906) 475-7857.

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) 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.