The event, held in conjunction with Hermansville’s annual Fourth of July festivities, will begin at 11:45 a.m. with the raising of the new flag on the museum’s front lawn during the performance of the national anthem.

Town officials, board members and volunteers will offer brief remarks during the ceremony, according to IXL Historical Museum President Marilyn Popp.

The much-needed upgrade of the exterior facelift of the 19th-century building that once served as the headquarters of the Wisconsin Land & Lumber Company was made possible through a $50,000 America250MI grant.

Popp said the historic structure, in the heart of the town, symbolizes the origins of Hermansville and its rich lumbering heritage.

Each room of the interior of the IXL Historical Museum has a touch of patriotic decor for the special holiday celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

“It all started here with the hardwood flooring operation and the dedicated workers who lived in the community,” Popp said.

She said preserving the building ensures that future generations can appreciate the community’s roots.

“I like to think the Meyers, the Earles and all of those workers are looking down and are happy to see the building restored to the beautiful historic landmark it once was,” Popp said.

The museum’s main building, originally constructed in the early 1880s as the company office, was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

She added that the museum has been decorated for the holiday with patriotic displays adorning the newly restored exterior, along with red, white and blue accents throughout the interior.

IXL Historical Museum Vice President Barb Peters and Historical Museum volunteer Ken Olson get the freshly painted exterior ready for the festivities.

“We’ll be ready for the holiday inside and out,” she said. “Not only are we celebrating America’s 250th, but the completion of this restoration project is a huge milestone for our museum.”

The museum will be open following the dedication ceremony for self-guided tours from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors can enjoy live blacksmith demonstrations and exhibits of vintage logging equipment on the grounds.

Another highlight of the celebration will be a quilt show featuring a variety of handmade quilts displayed throughout the museum.

“These pieces are beautiful, and I’m excited we’re able to include them as part of the day’s activities,” Popp said.

The Rusty Nuts Car Club’s annual Car and Bike Show will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the museum grounds. Registration will be held from 8 a.m. to noon, with trophy presentations scheduled for 2 p.m.

Food vendors will include The Curious Pig food truck and the Flavor Blast ice cream and shaved ice truck.

Back Forty Axe Throwing will also provide entertainment throughout the day.

Popp said the museum board has combined this year’s Fourth of July celebration with Vintage Days to highlight Hermansville’s history while showcasing the restored landmark.

“This was a big project,” she said. “It wasn’t just getting the building painted. There was a lot of work involved with the grant and following all of the required steps.”

Although the museum restoration has been completed, work continues on other structures on the multi-complex museum. Popp added the Company House is the next building slated for improvements after receiving a donation that may cover the cost of the paint.

“Then the depot is next, and we’ll just keep going,” she said. “Projects are never-ending, which is why donations are so important to help preserve this facility for years to come,” Popp said.

Additional landscaping is also planned around the museum, with Grounds and Building Caretaker Paul Larson expected to install decorative landscape rock around the building’s foundation.

Admission to the museum is by donation. All donations to support the museum are greatly appreciated, she added.

“I hope everyone comes out to see this beautiful building brought back to life and spend the day celebrating the holiday in Hermansville,” said Popp. “We are looking forward to sharing this accomplishment with the community.”

The IXL Historical Museum, at W5551 River St. is now open from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Labor Day weekend.

—

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772 ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.