Aug. 9, 2007

Visitors to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, in Negaunee Township, can delve more deeply into the Cornish immigrant experience at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, when Howard Nicholson, assistant professor of history at Northern Michigan University, reviews "The Cornish in Michigan" - a new book by NMU history professor Russell Magnaghi.  

According to Thomas Friggens, a regional manager for the Michigan Historical Center, the Cornish have been called the most neglected minority in America but were arguably the best underground miners the world had seen.

Between 1850 and 1920, thousands of immigrants of Cornwall, United Kingdom, settled on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where they revolutionized mining technology, introduced culinary traditions such as saffron buns and pasties, and stoked the fire of Methodism.  When iron and copper mining declined, Friggens noted, these "Cousin Jacks" followed economic opportunity to the urban-industrial centers of Lower Michigan where many took jobs in the rapidly developing auto industry.

"The Cornish in Michigan" is the latest book in the "Discovering the Peoples of Michigan" series, published by Michigan State University Press.  The series examines the rich multicultural heritage of Michigan while exploring the ethnic dynamics that have contributed to the state's historical and social identity.

"Michigan was a veritable melting pot of culture, race and religion during the late 19th and early 20th centuries," said Friggens.  "The Cornish have played a major role in making Michigan the diverse and storied place it is today.  The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is proud to host an afternoon that helps share the Cornish legacy with today's residents."

Magnaghi is editor of "A Sense of Place:  Michigan's Upper Peninsula:  Essays in Honor of William and Margery Vandament" and author of "The Italians in Michigan" and numerous articles on Upper Peninsula heritage.

Nicholson is researching "The Danes in Michigan," an upcoming book in the MSU series.  His program will also touch upon the value and process of documenting Michigan's diverse ethnic heritage.

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is one of 11 nationally accredited museums administered by the Michigan Historical Center, a public, non-profit agency 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.  For more information about museum programs, call (906) 475-7857 or visit online at 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.  Learn more at www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.