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West End update – Alastar Dimitrie – GINCC

Museum Season in West End outstanding

Alastar Dimitrie, coordinator, Marketing and Events, GINCC

ISHPEMING –Summer is museum season in the West End of Marquette County. The economic realities of running a small nonprofit organization dictate that many of these museums can only be open on a seasonal basis.

When you think of museums in the West End, you probably see miner’s headlamps and pickaxes. While iron mining has shaped the region’s history for over 150 years, it’s far from the only thing that’s happened here.

The Michigamme Historical Museum is a great place to visit if you’re interested in finding out about a few of those other things. Exhibits cover Henry Ford, the Michigan Moose Lift and, of course, Anatomy of a Murder. The museum is also home to an early twentieth century fire engine.

The Michigamme Historical Museum is open Memorial Day through Sept. 30 from noon to 5 p.m. Call 906-323-9016 or 906-323-6608 for guided tours or special showings. It’s located at 110 W Main St., Michigamme. The museum does not charge admission, but donations are accepted.

Ishpeming, Negaunee and other communities along the Marquette Iron Range would not exist in their present form if not for the discovery of iron near Teal Lake in 1844.

Dig in to iron mining history at Cliff’s Shaft Mine Museum located at 501 W. Euclid St., Ishpeming. The museum received a record number of visitors last summer. The Egyptian Revival shaft houses are unique components of the Ishpeming skyline. The museum contains an extensive rock and mineral collection in addition to mining artifacts.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. through September 24. Underground tours will take place at 10:20 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:00 pm and 2:15 pm. Museum admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children. Admission for guided tours is $15 adults and $5 for children (6-17). Find out more at cliffsshaftminemuseum.com or on Facebook.

The Ishpeming Area Historical Society Museum is located on the third floor of the historic Gossard building (308 Cleveland Ave., Ste. 303, Ishpeming). Find out about John Voelker, Kelly Johnson, Glenn Seaborg, early city documents, schools, military uniforms, VASA and other organizations, Blue Notes, bands and music history and more. The Ishpeming Area Historical Society’s Historic Places and Garden Tour will return Sunday, June 26.

The Ishpeming Area Historical Society Museum is looking for volunteers. The museum is hoping to be open every Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. pending volunteer availability. Please respond to the Society its Facebook page or call David at 906-486-8680 (Main Street Antique Mall).

As the name states, The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum is the national institution dedicated to recognizing the top skiers and snowboarders in the United States of America. The museum is open Monday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Tuesday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and Thursday through Saturday, 9:00 to 5:00 pm. Call 906-235-670 for after-hours tours. Daily admission for the museum is $5 for adults, $15 for families, $3 for students (through college) and free for children under 12. The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame is located at 610 Palms Ave, Ishpeming.

The Negaunee Historical Society Museum contains a wide range of exhibits including a 19th century living room, shelves of an old hardware store, a historical look at Negaunee sports, a military display, old dentist equipment, St. Paul’s School display, floor dedicated to mining, Dominic Jacobetti display, Native American artifacts, old kitchen, railroad display and a city band display.

The Negaunee Historical Society Museum is located at 303 E Main St, Negaunee. The museum is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Visit negauneehistory.org to find out more.

Along the shores of the Carp River, the Michigan Iron Industry Museum contains extensive exhibits covering all aspects of iron mining in the State of Michigan. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the museum is free, however some special programs may require a fee or donation. Find out more at michigan.gov/mhc/museums/miim. The museum is located at 73 Forge Road, Negaunee.

Finally, if the rest of this article didn’t provide enough incentive, a trip to the museum is also a good way to escape the black flies and mosquitoes.

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