IRON MOUNTAIN — An annual antique and craft event has helped area pieces of history such as the World War II Glider and Military Museum get off the ground.

For the past 15 years, the Friends of the Museum has used its Spring Antique, Craft and Gift Sale to build on what the Menominee Range Historical Museums have to offer.

On Saturday, the 2017 version of the sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 at 916 River Ave. in Iron Mountain.

The event, along with their fall sale, rank among the large fundraisers the group sponsors each year.

It’s let Friends of the Museum, started as an auxiliary group in 1990, financially support the development and preservation of history.

“Over the years, funds the group has raised has allowed for them to complete many projects,” Friends member Kathie Fayas said.

In turn, those projects enhance and benefit the Iron Mountain area, she said.

“Travelers who come to see our great exhibits spend money in our hotels, restaurants and other points of interest, which also helps support our local economy,” Fayas said.

When the Menominee Range Historical Museum was established, funds primarily went to office equipment at the eastside museum.

Since then, their efforts have bolstered such projects as the “Dry” building across from the Cornish Pumping Engine and Mining Museum on Kent Street in Iron Mountain. The group added a kitchenette, two bathrooms and a covered entrance.

In the future, the Foundation plans to house the archives, now at the Menominee Range Historical Museum at 300 E. Ludington St., at the “Dry” building.

“This work in the ‘Dry’ has been very important to go ahead with these future plans,” said Dianne Castelaz-Chiapusio, MRHM manager.

Once the World War II Glider and Military Museum was in motion, much of their efforts have focused toward completing that project.

Since 2005, when the military museum building was constructed, the Friends have raised a total of $137,500. The Glider restoration was complete in 2011.