Over 150 years Calumet has had an impact full history. From the immigrant communities who came to work in the Copper mines. To today and a mission to preserve heritage and history while looking toward a bright future.
Calumet was the nesting place for all the immigrants that came to the United States and came to the Kiwana for jobs, for homes, for land, and for a future. So, this 150, I’m looking forward to another 150. – Representative Greg Markkanen, 110th District
In the evening representative Markkanen, village leaders and “Big Annie” led a parade to deliver a special declaration to commemorate the historic achievement for the village.
Village manager Megan Haselden says the progress to transform Calumet takes a community effort.
And it’s exciting to see things really starting to come back. And not just in all the redevelopment and the investment that’s occurring, but also in our public spaces that’s bringing families together. And people, I think, are starting to move back to the area even. And it’s just a wonderful thing to see everybody celebrating where we came from and where we’re going. – Megan Haselden, Village Manager, Village of Calumet
The village of Calumet is right in the middle of the Keweenaw National Historical Park. And you know, there’s a lot of effort going on here for economic development. A lot of the local people, people are coming in from the outside, realizing the quality of life up here and just the potential of being here in Calumet and being in Keweenaw is just really unlimited. – Representative Greg Markkanen, 110th District
The Bring Back Calumet initiative continues to inspire preservation and remaking of old spaces, such as the recently awarded MEDC RAP grant for the hotel calumet project. As well as reinvigorated efforts to save the Ruppe Building.
We’re really seeing that space get utilized and activated, and that’s going to continue. We even have a group that’s going to be doing a fall night market in this space on October 12. So, I think that we can expect to see that utilized more and more. And of course, driving people to our downtown district further down Fifth Street is uh really exciting. – Megan Haselden, Village Manager, Village of Calumet
Saturday’s block party included music with local artists vendors, food trucks and plenty of fun. Celebrations among the years of work bring the community together to share in achievements. While Calumet fell on hard times for many years, the future looks as bright as the newly restored Calumet theatre chandelier.
Those interested in exploring the village’s rich history spanning immigration, industry, European cultures, labor, native American history and much more should start at the Keweenaw national historic park. Then check out one of the many heritage sites.
Those interested in learning more about the Bring back Calumet initiative or want to learn about developments in the village can find more information online.
Learn more about recreation in and around Calumet all year round here.
