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The Negaunee Historical Society was founded as a non-profit organization by a group of local residents in the early 1980s who were concerned with the preservation of the rich heritage and history of the area. It was founded on November 22, 1982, and bylaws were created. The first public meeting was conducted on Tuesday, June 12, 1984, and the first board of trustees meeting was held the following evening. The first governing board was comprised of president Bill Jennings, vice president Marilyn Mutch, secretary Nan Nicklas, treasurer Dave Larmour, executive director Dave Bridgerns, and trustees Bob Juidici, Bill Taggert, Saima Kuivila, Jim Paquette, Rose Collins, Joyce Mermick and Art Shaw. The original location of the museum was in the former Apostolic Lutheran Church on Prince Street. When the American Legion disbanded and vacated their lodge, the Negaunee Historical Society relocated the museum to its current location in 1990. The land the museum rests on was the original site of the Catholic cemetery as part of St. Paul's Catholic Church. The church was moved to its present location in 1871, but no record is shown as to when the cemetery was moved. Mrs. Marie Barabe had her house built on the current museum site in 1898, following the death of her husband (Antoine, Jr.) earlier that year. Thomas Pellow (grandfather of Thomas and Dick Pellow of the Pellow Printing Company) purchased the house from Mrs. Barabe on December 29, 1905, however the Pellow family never did reside in the home as Mr. Pellow's new job assignment caused them to move to the Mesabi Range in Minnesota. Shown at right, Frank G. Matthews, Sr. (1902-1985) was a local historian who was involved in preserving Negaunee's heritage. A mining exhibit in his honor can be visited at the museum. A Frank Matthews Scholarship also is awarded to a Negaunee High School graduate each year to honor his commitment and dedication in preserving the history of Negaunee. |
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