Sometimes we forget the treasures in our own community. But Saturday, we all get a reminder about one treasure that continues to provide a look into an important part of our area’s history.

Saturday is when the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee hosts Iron Ore and the Civil War, an event the public is encouraged to attend from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The event features a Civil War artillery encampment featuring military camp life; costumed interpreters; cannon demonstrations; cooking demonstrations; period music; children’s games and activities.

In all, it’s a glimpse into a watershed time in American history.

Thursday and today, school groups had the chance to visit the encampment to learn from the Civil War interpreters about what life was like in the mid-1800s.

Everyone has the chance to do the same on Saturday.

For those unfamiliar, the Michigan Iron Industry Museum opened in 1987, overlooking the Carp River and the site of the first iron forge in the Lake Superior region. It includes tons of artifacts from the many years of iron mining in our area.

It’s an invaluable resource. We hope many folks seize the opportunity to take a step back in time by visiting the MIIM on Saturday.

The museum is located at 73 Forge Road, Negaunee. Call 906-475-7857 or visit Michigan.gov/ IronIndustryMuseum for more information.