Jan. 28 Public Meeting seeks input, partners for 1913 Strike Centennial

CALUMET -- Community input and volunteers are sought for planning activities to mark the centennial of the 1913 Michigan copper miners' strike. A public meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Calumet Visitor Center of Keweenaw National Historical Park, in the Historic Union Building at 98 Fifth Street in Calumet. Refreshments will be served.

Striking miners gather outside the Calumet office of the Western Federation of Miners in 1913. (Photo courtesy Michigan Tech Archives.)

The nearly yearlong strike by members of the Western Federation of Miners in 1913-14 is one of the most significant events in Copper Country history and also figures critically in national labor struggles of the time. Initial planning and discussion for commemorative events have included representatives from the Michigan Tech University Social Sciences Department and Michigan Tech Archives, as well as National Park Service staff and members of the local community.

Current ideas include historical exhibits, tours of historic sites connected to the strike's events, publication of books and web content, a symposium on historical topics, activities for K-12 students, a memorial ceremony on the centennial of the Italian Hall tragedy and other public events.

The Jan. 28 meeting will provide an update on planning to date, discuss ideas for additional activities, and seek volunteers able to move events forward.

For more information contact the Michigan Tech Archives at 487-2505, email copper@mtu.edu, or visit 1913strike.wordpress.com.