Negaunee, Michigan – October 1, 2015 – “Iron Ore and the Civil War” returns to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee Township on Oct. 3. The free, day-long encampment brings the sights and sounds of the Civil War to the museum grounds from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“This is a family-fun event for people to experience everyday life of the Civil War, and to learn about Michigan’s role during the conflict,” said museum historian Troy Henderson. “Museum guests will be able to visit a campsite and interact with the costumed interpreters to learn about the lives of soldiers during the 1860s.”
Battery D, 1st Michigan Light Artillery from Jackson, Michigan, will re-create Civil War army life with artillery and small-arms drills, camp cooking and soldiers’ pastimes. Dan and Deborah Choszczyk will also be on the museum grounds to demonstrate blacksmithing.
The award-winning documentary The Road to Andersonville: Michigan Native American Sharpshooters in the Civil War will be shown in the museum auditorium at 11 a.m. The two-hour movie documents the 139 men who joined Company K, the only all-Native American unit in the North.
Also in the museum auditorium at 2 p.m., James Newkirk of “Battery D” will present a program on “Small Arms of the Civil War.” Period music and children’s games will complete the day’s activities.
The First Michigan Infantry assembled for federal service in 1861, just two weeks after the fall of Fort Sumter and the start of the Civil War. At least 90,000 Michiganders enlisted, and more than 14,000 died during the conflict. In addition to manpower, the Upper Peninsula’s iron ore resources were instrumental in helping to preserve the Union.
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. The museum entrance is located on US-41E, one mile west of Junction M-35, in Negaunee Township. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. For more information call 906-475-7857 or visit www.michigan.gov/ironindustrymuseum.
The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Its museum and archival programs help people discover, enjoy and find inspiration in their heritage. It includes the Michigan Historical Museum, 10 regional museums, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, and the Archives of Michigan. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/michiganhistory.
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