Eleven room exhibits, with the exception of the glass and doors, have now been completed in the C Ludington Shaft of the Chapin Mine Dry Building at 300 Kent St. in Iron Mountain.

The finishing work –including trim, shelves, wallpaper and more — in several other display rooms is almost done and will soon be ready for artifacts.

“We are pleased and happy to say we are ahead of where we thought we would be at this point,” said Bill Cummings, MRHM Foundation president and historian. “We have been very fortunate to receive some generous donations, which has enabled us to continue moving forward.”

The new interior space will feature 26 room displays, as well as several built-ins and 24 wall cases.

BILL CUMMINGS, PRESIDENT and historian of the Menominee Range Historical Foundation, puts finishing touches on the blacksmith shop, one of 11 displays that are now complete in the former Dry Building.

“We will have well over 50 exhibits when all is complete,” Cummings said.

He stressed they have benefitted greatly from a lot of the construction being done by Foundation Vice President Jim Hartwell and Museum Foundation Treasurer Guy Forstrom.

“Not having the cost in labor right now is huge,” Cummings said. “Between the two of them, it’s amazing what they have been able to get done.”

Hartwell began work on the general store in the commons area in 2018. This area will include the school room, livery buggy and sleigh displays and a special exhibit area as well.

Forstrom also been busy moving the remaining artifacts from the former Carnegie Public Library to the new location. Several Kingsford High School athletes recently assisted with the move. “This was great — some of these pieces are large and very heavy,” he said.

The ice house display in the former Dry Building is shown.

Photographs of the exhibits were taken before they were disassembled last summer. “It’s a reference for us as we create the new area,” he said.

They will add new exhibits and eliminate some, he said. They have decided to replace the bedroom with a dress shop, after discovering some unique antique mannequins in the basement of the eastside museum.

“We also have an unbelievable number of articles of women’s clothing and hats,” Cumming said. “Dresses and hats will be changed out frequently.”

Having easy access to the displays was an important consideration, as the ones at the eastside location were difficult because viewing glass would have to be removed.

As they go through storage boxes, pieces will be added or relocated to the Cornish Pumping Engine and Mining Museum and the World War II Glider and Military Museum.

They also found multiples of many items, mainly due to the museum accepting everything when they first opened. “We could have outfitted a whole troop at one point with all the World War I uniforms,” he said with a laugh.

Several artifacts probably fit better at other locations, he added, so various local museums will be contacted about taking them.

The board plans to host another open house in the spring and likely will offer the unused pieces for sale at that time.

The work on the room exhibits should be done by mid-summer, Cummings said. However, they will not be able to complete the entire project without additional funds.

“As we go back to contractors, costs are going to add up fast,” Hartwell said. “Walls will be ready for plaster; glass will need to be installed and work done in the commons room, including an insulated ceiling.”

Remodeling bathrooms put in more than 20 years ago is another expense.

The board hopes finances will come so they can keep moving.

The decision to relocate the Historical Museum to the single-story, 1910 building was made for several reasons — to have all museums at one location, make it more accessible and provide ample parking.

Once the commons area is finished, Cummings believes they can at least open to the public. “The wall cases, which will be constructed by Hartwell, can be added at any time,” he said.

Hartwell, who retired from Dickinson Homes after 35 years, noted the historic 112-year-old dry building is being renovated to last for generations to come.

The building was constructed with sandstone and steel, making it fireproof, and designed to contain 660 steel lockers for the miners’ clothing. It was equipped as well with showers and enameled wash fixtures.

“Walls and ceiling are well insulated to keep heating costs minimal but also protect the artifacts,” Hartwell said, adding, “Hopefully, whoever has it in the future will maintain it.”

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.