Last October the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections launched its latest traveling exhibit, “Becoming the Pride of the Upper Peninsula: A Glimpse at the Early Years of the Copper Range Railroad.” Now that the summer tourist season is upon us, the exhibit is ready to travel to regional heritage sites for display.
The exhibit contains six panels that document the early years of the Copper Range Railroad, from the early founding of the railroad until its initial expansion beyond the main line. The last panel provides a glimpse beyond the formative years, including the impact of the decline of mining in the area, the school train runs, and the dissolution of the company.
The exhibit is available to be loaned to partner host sites on a monthly basis from June 2019 – June 2020. The Michigan Tech Archives will assist with delivery/pick-up options for the panels and will also provide booklets and postcards for each host site. Site hosts are asked to formally launch the exhibit by having an opening reception or some special program surrounding the exhibit.
If you are interested in hosting the exhibit at your museum, library, or school please contact university archivist, Lindsay Hiltunen, at (906) 487-3209 or at copper@mtu.edu.
This exhibit was made possible in part by the Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission Heritage Grant Program. All research was conducted in the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections.
I am looking forward to seeing this exhibit when it travels to Hurley, to the Iron County [WI] Historical Museum in August.
The Copper Range Railroad Exhibit in Hurly will coincide with a presentation by Byron Babbish on “The Railroads of the the Upper Peninsula: 1975-2000.” This will take place at 6:30 PM CDT, August 22nd, 2019, at the Iron County Historical Museum, 303 Iron Street, Hurley, WI 54534, 715-561-2244. A reception will follow Atty. Babbish’s presentation.
Paul, thank you so much for the note! We are very happy that the exhibit will be making it across the border to Wisconsin!