The Negaunee Historical Museum in the city of Negaunee is pictured. (Photo courtesy of the Negaunee Historical Society)

NEGAUNEE — It was 1980 when Rose Collins initiated the idea of having a museum to commemorate Negaunee’s history, A society was formed and artifacts were collected to be displayed.

On June 24, 1984, the Negaunee Historical Museum opened its doors in a building that once served as the Finnish Apostlic Lutheran Church on Prince Street. This property was given to the members of the Apostolic Church by Samuel Collins, but was to revert back to him when it was no longer used for the purpose of religious services.

When the church moved to a new location the deed to the property was given to the Negaunee Historical Society. It wasn’t long when this building ran out of space and it was apparent that a larger facility was needed.

At this time the American Legion was vacating the house on the corner of Brown Avenue and Main Street. In September 1989, the Society entered into an agreement to purchase the American Legion clubrooms for $20,000. This became possible in June of 1990, through a grant from the Detroit Institute of Arts, and presented to the Society by State Rep. Dominic Jacobetti.

The acquisition of this historic home, which was built for the Barabe family in 1905, gave the museum expanded rooms in which to display items. Its prime location is on the main route into town and easy access from highway U.S. 41.

Much of the home’s architectural details have been preserved, from its large colonated porch to the etched glass windows. Two fireplaces with glazed tile, oak doors and staircase.

There are three floors of displays. A children’s area, Negaunee sports, medical and dental displays, mining, a native American display, railroad, military, and much more. We have a resource room with Negaunee Iron Herald, (a local paper for 90 years) school yearbooks dating from the 1900s, a variety of picture albums and historical events.

Artifacts from the Palmer Cascade Museum have also been added. The museum itself is located on a piece of history. In 1861, it was the original catholic cemetery. We give thanks to all the people, past and present, who have generously given their time to accomplish the mission of the Society, “To preserve the history of Negaunee.”

Ventures such as this help all of us learn, so that we can give future generations a history to be proud of. The people who settled in Negaunee made it grow, and the Negaunee Historical Museum has much to teach about Negaunee’s rich heritage. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, from June 1 to Sept. 1. And also by appointment, too.