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Caretakers of the past, stewards of the future.

Bammert Blacksmith Shop
Central
Eagle Harbor Lighthouse
Eagle River Museum
Commercial Fishing Museum
School at Gay Museum
Keweenaw History Museum
Eagle Harbor Lifesaving Station
Maritime Museum
Phoenix Church
Rathbone School Museum

Advice for Genealogists

Are you looking for genealogical Information about your family?

Each week the Keweenaw County Historical Society receives requests via our website for help in locating information concerning someone’s family genealogy.  Unfortunately the Keweenaw County Historical Society Archives have no records that are helpful to genealogists. We have no employment records, birth or death records, tax records, etc. Also, the church records for most of our local historic churches, including the churches in Phoenix and Central, are missing. However we work with several other organizations in the area that have helped individuals in the past. Some of these provide the materials and you must do the research while others also have a list of local researchers who will do the research for a fee. Here is a summary of some of the organizations:

The J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, University Archives and Historical Collections, (commonly known as The MTU Archives), http://www.mtu.edu/library/archives.
This is a large, university research center full of documents, mining company records, some tax records, reports, photographs, etc. You might want to see their guide for genealogical research for help http://www.mtu.edu/library/archives/research-guides/GenealogicalSources.pdf

The Archives of the Keweenaw National Historical Parkhttps://www.nps.gov/kewe/learn/historyculture/collections.htm
This archive has a wide range of information, documents, and artifacts about the Copper Country. They do allow researchers access to their records. See their website for the scope of the collection and how to access it.

The Archives of Finlandia University, located at the Finish American Heritage Center, http://www.finlandia.edu/fahc/archive/
While the main thrust of this collection is local Finnish American History and families the archives contains materials about local towns, mines, and industries that are helpful in other areas of research. See their website for hours, descriptions, etc.

As for Keweenaw County tax records, some of the records are in the County Court House in Eagle River and some are in the Archives at Michigan Tech.

We hope that helps you on your quest.

Updated 3/6/2023

NEWS
All sites are closed for the season, but 2023 opening dates have been determined. Please visit our
Sites and Museum Schedule

5/29/23
The Memorial Garden at Central Mine has an immediate need for regular watering and light weeding. If you are interested in volunteering for this position, CONTACT US

5/15/23
KCHS awarded grant to enhance Eagle Harbor Light Station Museum Exhibits.
LEARN MORE

3/24/23
KCHS awarded grant to renovate Eagle Harbor Lighthouse
Learn More
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michigan.gov release
USA Today Story


Now is a good time to start researching and reserving the popular amenities the Keweenaw has to offer.

Keweenaw County Tourism Links:

• Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce

• Keweenaw Tourism Council

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COVID POLICY
The Keweenaw County Historical Society’s Board of Directors will follow the COVID-19 Epidemic Orders issued by the State of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services.  These public health orders are updated as needed, so KCHS may need to change access to buildings and events.

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