ISHPEMING — The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Barnes-Hecker Mine disaster, which occurred on Nov. 3, 1926, in Ely Township near Ishpeming. The tragedy remains Michigan’s worst mine disaster, claiming the lives of 51 men. Forty-one of those miners are still entombed in the collapsed mine, a solemn reminder of the region’s mining heritage and the families forever changed.

To honor the memory of the men lost and to recognize the impact of the disaster on the Upper Peninsula community, the Barnes-Hecker 100th Anniversary Committee has organized a series of commemorative events spanning 2026 and 2027. These programs aim to educate the public, preserve local history, and honor the men who lost their lives.

Scheduled Commemorative Events

• 2026

July 19, 1-4 PM – Barnes-Hecker Miners Cemetery Tour, Ishpeming Cemetery

Rain date: July 26

August 16, 1-4 PM – Barnes-Hecker Miners Cemetery Tour, Ishpeming Cemetery

Rain date: August 23

Fall 2026 – Screening of Memories of a Misfortune at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum

October 21, 6:30 PM – Presentation by historian Jim Paquette

Hosted by the Marquette Regional History Center

Third Week of October – Opening of a Barnes-Hecker exhibit at the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center

Exhibit continues into early 2027

November 1, 2:00 PM – Interfaith Memorial Service at Bethany Lutheran Church, Ishpeming (The service will be live streamed)

November 2, 7:00 PM – Candlelight Vigil at the Barnes-Hecker shaft site

November 3, 11:20 AM – Tolling of church bells throughout Ishpeming in remembrance of the exact moment of the disaster

November 3 – Half-hour commemorative news program broadcast on MY UP Now

• 2027

Spring 2027 – Barnes-Hecker exhibit opens at the Michigan History Center in Lansing.