Ironwood to host exhibit featuring local history

IRONWOOD — The team working on the “The Way We Worked” display have been busy lining up events for the displays arrival in April.

The exhibit, through the Smithsonian Institution and National Archives, will be on display for eight weeks at the Downtown Art Place in Ironwood, from April 4 to May 31. It was created by the Smithsonian as part of the Museum on Main Street traveling exhibit funded by the United States Congress.

TWWW, adapted from an original exhibition development by the National Archives, explores how work became a central element in American culture by tracing the many changes affecting the workforce and work environments over the past 150 years.

Ironwood is one of five communities in Michigan to host the exhibit, after being selected by the Michigan Humanities Council. While Ironwood will be the center for the exhibit, communities across the area are being integrated in.

Throughout the area, different locations will host displays and events to compliment the exhibition, including historical buildings, parks and local businesses.

In Wisconsin, Hurley will host some events through the Iron County Historical Society and Little Finland, and in Mercer at the library and other locations.

In Gogebic County, Wakefield will host some events at various museums in the community, as well as the visitor’s center and local businesses.

Bessemer will feature displays at Bessemer City Hall and the Bessemer Historical Society. Copper Peak will also feature tours and displays in Ironwood Township.

Besides DAP, Ironwood will also feature displays and events at the Historic Ironwood Theatre, Ironwood Memorial Building, Ironwood Carnegie Library, Theatre North, Miner’s Mural, Depot Park and other locations and local businesses.

“This event is an opportunity to showcase the Gogebic range, both for its heritage and its natural beauty,” a press release said. “ ... Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in creating and hosting history and heritage events to encourage multi-day visits to the area.”

For more information, visit facebook.com/GogebicRangeTWWW, or call 906-932-2002.