Negaunee, Michigan – “Iron Ore and the Civil War,” a Civil War encampment, returns to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee Township Saturday, Sept. 30. The free event runs 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Museum visitors can experience the sights and sounds of the Civil War during the event through costumed interpreters, artillery demonstrations, period music, a blacksmith forge and children’s games. In addition, the museum will show “The Better Angels of our Nature,” the last episode of “The Civil War” documentary series by Michigan native Ken Burns. The screening of the hourlong episode begins at 1:30 p.m. in the museum auditorium.
“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 Michigan Iron Industry Museum historian Troy Henderson. “Museum guests will be able to enter a campsite and interact with the costumed interpreters to learn about the lives of soldiers during the 1860s.”
Battery D, First Michigan Light Artillery from Jackson will re-create Civil War army life with artillery and small-arms drills, camp cooking and soldiers’ pastimes. Dan and Deborah Choszczyk of Champion will be on the museum grounds demonstrating blacksmithing.
At least 90,000 Michiganders enlisted in Union forces during the Civil War, with more than 14,000 losing their lives. In addition to manpower, the Upper Peninsula’s iron ore resources were instrumental in helping to preserve the Union as wartime manufacturing expanded to meet the needs of the military, the civilian population and international trade.
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is a nationally accredited museum located at 73 Forge Road in Negaunee, 8 miles west of Marquette; enter off of U.S. 41. For more information, call 906-475-7857 or visit www.michigan.gov/ironindustrymuseum.
The Michigan History Center is part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Its museum and archival programs foster curiosity, enjoyment, and inspiration rooted in Michigan’s stories. It includes the Michigan History 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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