July 18, 2007

In mid-September 1844, a party of U. S. government land surveyors led by William Austin Burt discovered iron ore deposits near present-day Negaunee, on the Marquette Iron Range, after observing the magnetic needle of their compass fluctuating wildly.

"Over the course of several decades, surveyors like Burt and his companions also helped open the Menominee and Gogebic Iron Ranges," said Tom Friggens, a regional manager for the Michigan Historical Center.  "Today, more than 160 years later, Michigan's iron industry still produces more than 20 percent of America's iron ore supply," he added.

In observance of the role that pioneer surveyors played in opening the state's three iron districts, the Michigan Iron Industry Museum has slated "Discoverers and Surveyors," a living history event from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on July 28 and 29.  The weekend activities feature a mid-19^th-century surveyors' encampment, costumed interpreters and demonstrations of original surveying equipment and camp life.

Presented by the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors Foundation Reenactment Group, an affiliate of the Museum of Surveying in Lansing, the encampment features professional surveyors who step back in time on weekends to demonstrate surveying instruments and practices dating back to the early 1800s. 

Saturday activities include a world-class display of rocks and minerals by the Northern Michigan University Rock and Mineral Club.

At 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Larry Lankton, professor of history at Michigan Technological University, will present "The Keweenaw as an American Frontier."  Lankton is author of Beyond the Boundaries:  Life and Landscape at the Lake Superior Copper Mines, 1840-1875 and Cradle to Grave:  Life, Work, and Death at the Lake Superior Copper Mines.  His talk will explore the frontier world that early settlers of the Keweenaw Peninsula found, and examine how Upper Peninsula pioneers overcame obstacles while developing a strong sense of place.  Like the rest of the U. P., "they could love the Keweenaw or hate it," Lankton said, "extol its beauty or fear its harsh winters - but they could never take it for granted."

Admission to the "Discoverers and Surveyors" event is free; however, donations are encouraged to support the continuation of similar museum education programs.

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is one of 11 nationally accredited museums administered by the Michigan Historical Center, a public, non-profit facility of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  It is located at 73 Forge Road, overlooking the site of the Carp River Forge, a pioneer industrial site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The recently expanded museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Oct. 31. 

Upcoming activities include "Iron Ore and the Civil War," a living history event on Aug. 11-12 and a weekday program series scheduled through Aug. 21.  For more information about museum programs, call (906) 475-7857 or visit www.michigan.gov/ironindustrymuseum.

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) is dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity.  In addition to the Michigan Historical Center, HAL includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Film Office.  To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

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