The four school districts are invited to take a guided tour of the Cornish Pumping Engine and Mining Museum and the World War II Glider and Military Museum.

The Menominee Range Historical Foundation’s mission is dedicated to the perpetuation and preservation of the history of the Menominee Iron Range and the use of that history and the museums to further educate the general public.

These tours, offered at no charge to the school districts, help fulfill the foundation’s goal of making area residents aware of the region’s rich heritage.

Iron Mountain social studies teacher Eric Penn’s 45 eighth-grade students took advantage of the opportunity and toured both museums for the first time Thursday.

MENOMINEE RANGE HISTORICAL Foundation President Bill Cummings gives a presentation at the Cornish Pumping Engine and Mining Museum to Iron Mountain High School teacher Eric Penn’s eighth-grade class — from left are Ava Marttila, Brayden Kassin, Charles Anderson, Lucian Breault, Laelonii Miner and Kailey Jayne. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Kingsford Middle School social studies teacher John VanDusen’s 150 eighth graders will learn about local history today. KMS has taken part in the promotion since the tours were offered.

Foundation Treasurer Guy Forstrom served as tour guide at the World War II Glider and Military Museum, while foundation President Bill Cummings provided information at the Cornish Pumping Engine and Mining Museum.

Last month, 16 students from Kingsford High School’s Upper Peninsula history class walked through the museums with their teacher, Aaron Yonke. They also participated in the walking tour of downtown Iron Mountain offered last month in which Cummings served as guide.

Cummings noted he also hosted a tour of both museums to 23 members of the Bay West Leadership Academy. The academy has included museum tours since its inception as well.