Keeping the history present at the Iron Co. Historical Museum

CASPIAN, Mich. (WJMN) – If you’re looking for a true Upper Peninsula Experience, but the I ron County Historical Museum in your GPS.

“The biggest takeaway is what a labor of love, what a community effort this museum is,” said Museum Director Kathlene Long. “Everything that’s here was donated, given, and in very rare cases bought. But all of it’s from Iron County.”

There are more than two dozen buildings on the property, a huge variety of exhibits, and more to discover wherever you look.

“Take your time and come back more than once. I’ve been here since 2021 and I still every day as I’m walking through, from getting from here to there, whatever I’m working on, I see things I hadn’t noticed before,” added Long.

The museum has more than artifacts from decades long past. The museum is working to Iron County residents who are writing the next chapter of Upper Peninsula history.

“We just finished the timeline in the Michigan corridor.” Long continued, “The last step to have that completed is the letters depicting Michigan, Iron County and the USA. The timeline is divided into three sections and sort of shows you how history intertwines between Michigan, the U.P. or the Iron County and the U.S.A.

The museum is also undergoing a renovation of Heritage Hall.

“It was the original gathering space. It’s where all the fundraisers happened and the plays and the music and all the stuff that that was in the seventies and eighties was a big deal. Over time it got changed into sort of a set of exhibits, sort of a hodgepodge of things that didn’t fit anywhere else. We’ve taken everything out of there. We’ve rewrapped the rafters. Connor Sports Flooring just donated a floor.” Long went on to say, “Then we get to get to the real work, which is building all new exhibits back there.”

Along with self-guided tours, they offer special events like their History Happy Hours, and Tasting, Tapas, and tours. You can find more information on those events here.

Donations to the museum are always welcome. There are also needs for volunteers , whatever your skills and time will allow.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com.