From Michigan gold to historic forts and freighters on Lake Superior, the Michigan Iron Industry Museum has something for everyone during its summer afternoon program series beginning Tuesday, July 8. Programs will be offered over seven weeks (through Aug. 19) on Tuesdays in the museum auditorium. All programs begin at 2 p.m.
Local author and researcher Bob Dobson will kick off the series July 8 during Pioneer Week. Dobson’s program will discuss his latest work on “Local Mines and Mining during the Great Depression and World War II.” Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event, along with a book signing.
The 1930s and 1940s were a time of transition for Upper Peninsula. iron-mining communities. During the Great Depression, mining companies were retrenching and consolidating business operations. On the Marquette Range, Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company’s payroll fell from $6.6 million in 1930 to $1.9 million in 1932. By World War II, the demand for natural resources ensured that iron mining and its fleet of ore carriers would operate at full capacity and the slogan “More Ore to Win the War” echoed throughout local communities.
The museum’s full schedule of Tuesday afternoon programs includes:
- July 8 – “A Report on Local Miners and Mining during the Great Depression and World War II”
Bob Dobson, author, Negaunee. - July 15 – “Michigan Gold & Silver: Mining in the Upper Peninsula”
Daniel Fountain, author, Negaunee. (Book signing to follow program.) - July 22 – “’A Most Unpleasant Circumstance: Personality and Provocation at Fort Wilkins”
Tom Friggens, Michigan Historical Center retiree. - July 29 – “Freighters of Destiny: A History of Great Lakes Navigation”
Frederick Stonehouse, maritime historian and author. - Aug. 5 – “History of Blaney Park”
James A. Surrell, M.D., Marquette. - Aug. 12 – “Lost and Found: Historic Structures in the U.P.”
Dan Truckey, director of the Beaumier Heritage Center, Northern Michigan University. - Aug. 19 – “Locking Through the Soo, 1796 to Today”
Don Balmer, photographer, Marquette. Glasses will be provided for this 3-D program.
The museum entrance is located on U.S. 41 East, 1 mile west of Junction M-35, in Negaunee Township. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
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. During the summer the museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information call 906-475-7857 or visit online at www.michigan.gov/ironindustrymuseum.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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