'Worked' begins in earnest

IRONWOOD - Opening ceremonies for the Smithsonian's Institute's "The Way We Worked" traveling exhibit were held Saturday afternoon at the Ironwood Historical Theatre.

Several local and state leaders were present and said a few words about the area's history.

There were also several song and dance performances by local entertainers.

Mark Silver was the master of ceremonies, introducing speakers and performers with lots of energy and humor.

Ironwood Mayor Kim Corcoran spoke first. "It is just awesome to see how our cities can kind of pool together to make something as wonderful as this event," Corcoran said.

"This exhibit may only be here for a brief time, but I know it will make permanent impression on those that get to experience it."

Corcoran thanked everyone involved in the planning and execution of this monumental event, including the Smithsonian Institute and the Michigan Humanities Council, as well as the many volunteers.

"The Way We Worked Gogebic Range" will be on display at the Downtown Art Place in Ironwood through May 31. Organizers have tied its appearance here with other displays and programs by local museums, organizations and businesses through the next two months.

The director of the Michigan Humanities Council, Jan Fedewa, also spoke Saturday.

The Michigan Humanities Council is a statewide non-profit cultural organization, according to Fedewa, "whose mission is to get people thinking about what it means to be human as it relates to our histories, our ideas, our words, our dreams and our values."

"This exhibit is not just about the Smithsonian," Fedewa said. "It's about all of you. Your stories, your community, and your strong hand as it relates to work and your every day life."

Fedewa closed her speech by offering everyone a challenge: to go out and enjoy the exhibit, attend other parts of the programing but return tomorrow, next week or later this month.

And to bring a friend, a family member, a co-worker, a child and discuss the following questions: what was my first job, how much did I get paid, what was my favorite job and why, what was my least favorite job and why.

Thomas Henthorn, historian at the University of Michigan-Flint, issued his own challenge to attendees.

"To think in ways we can use history and we can use heritage to kind of guide us into the future," Henthorn said.

"Ways we can look at our own past, think about what we value as a community, what we think is important to pass on and then how we can share that with other people and build some economic momentum for the region."

State Rep. Scott Dianda also said a few words at the opening ceremony. He thanked all the volunteers and people involved in bringing the exhibit to Ironwood.

"The exhibits are able to show the youth the importance of our history," Dianda said. "I am extremely proud to be here tonight to honor this event."

Bessemer City Councilman Doug Olsen said a few words as well. "This exhibit commemorates all the hard working people in our community and across the nation," Olsen said. "I hope that this is just one of the first of many steps to get joint cooperation promoting this area."

The Ironwood Theatre's Managing Director Bruce Greenhill read a letter on behalf of state Sen. Tom Casperson.

"Although my schedule prevents me from being with you in person today, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all those responsible for bringing the exhibit to Ironwood," Casperson wrote.

"What a wonderful example of the way we Michiganders, especially those in small communities and in the Upper Peninsula, pull together for the benefit of others."

Casperson concluded his letter by saying "I have no doubt the exhibit and all the associated activities will be resounding successes and I congratulate you all on an exceptional opportunity."

Between speeches the ceremony also offered local entertainment.

Among the singing performances, the Gogebic Community College choir The Samson Sound performed "Sixteen Tons" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," accompanied by Jennifer Wenger on the piano; as well as Madeline Gabka and Vivian Gammill performing "Workin' in a Coal Mine" and "9 to 5," accompanied by Tim Mesun on the piano.

A tap dance number to "Puttin' on the Ritz" was performed by Bessemer's Bethany Hellen.

A reception filled with food and discussion followed the ceremony at the Ironwood Theatre.