The Jackson Iron Co. and others manufactured wrought iron from local ore at the site from 1848-1855. In that pioneer enterprise was the seed of the Michigan iron industry that flourished for 125 years and still produces about 20% of the iron ore mined in the United States.
The museum tells the story of Michigan’s three iron ranges and the people who worked them through dramatic exhibits, audio-visual programs, and outdoor interpretive trails. A high-definition video, “Iron Spirits: Life on the Michigan Iron Range,” is shown six times daily in the museum’s 88-seat auditorium.
The museum also offers an active education program including seasonal events, a lecture series, and the Future Historians, a youth association that meets monthly during the school year. Every summer, the Future Historians share their knowledge and test their skills by providing costumed first-person interpretation for visitors at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park through four three-day living history camps.
In the mid-1970s, the Michigan Department of State joined efforts with local citizens to acquire, preserve and interpret the site of the Carp River Forge. In 1979-80, Marquette County and The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. deeded a 40-acre tract of land, including the forge site, to the State of Michigan for development as a museum.
The museum was funded by the state at a cost of $1.5 million, built in 1985-86, and opened to the public in 1987.
In 2000, the State of Michigan appropriated $500,000 “to expand the exhibit space at the museum for artifact protection, additional exhibit displays and public programming, especially for school-age children.”
By a combination of public and private sector funding totaling more than $1.9 million, a 4,000-square-foot addition providing space for a new exhibit gallery, a museum store, and enhanced visitor services opened in 2006.
A new entrance road improving public visibility and access from U.S. Highway 41 was built in 2009 crossing an additional 40 acres of land donated by the organization now known as the Friends of the Iron Industry Museum.
A four-season interpretive trail system featuring elevated walkways, scenic overlooks, and wayside exhibits was completed in 2011.
For more information on the Michigan Iron Industry Museum visit the Michigan History Center website.
|