Public invited to meet new Park Superintendent Feb. 3

CALUMET -- The National Park Service at Keweenaw National Historical Park and the Keweenaw NHP Advisory Commission will host an open house to greet new superintendent Mike Pflaum as he assumes the helm this week. The public is invited to meet Mike at the open house from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3, at park headquarters located at the corner of Red Jacket Road and US-41 in Calumet.

Pflaum, most recently the Regional Partnerships Coordinator in the National Park Service (NPS) Midwest Regional Office in Omaha, is a 30-year NPS veteran. Mike served as the Chief Ranger at Mount Rushmore National Monument for eleven years prior to his appointment at the regional office.

"I’m very excited about this opportunity," Pflaum said of his new assignment. "I am looking forward to working collaboratively with park partners and the outstanding park staff, and to getting to know the people of the community. I am drawn by the fascinating history of Keweenaw National Historical Park and the natural beauty of the area."

Mike’s family includes his wife, Barbara, a former NPS Park Ranger, and two daughters, Katie, 20, a student at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, and Emily, 23, a music teacher in Minneapolis. In addition to their work in the parks, Mike and Barbara enjoy hiking, cross country skiing, photography, and exploring the great parks, historic sites, and wildlands of the nation. They are looking forward to pursuing these interests in and around Upper Michigan’s Copper Country.

Refreshments will be provided at the open house by the Advisory Commission. For additional information, please call park headquarters at 906-337-3168.

Photo: Mike Pflaum, new Keweenaw National Historical Park superintendent. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw NHP)