Keweenaw Heritage Center

02/23/2026

Wondering what the upstairs will look like when the snow melts. We had some pretty bad leaks last spring that damaged one of the window frames and parts of the ceiling.

Still trying to raise money for a new roof and with the snow load what it is, that could be even more urgent.

Heikki Lunta, please go away. Your dancing has produced more than we need. Much more!

09/26/2025

I've been advised that this poster is not showing up although it was posted on September 11. So here's another try. Hope it works because this will be a great evening.

09/11/2025

Please mark your calendar for this event.

08/19/2025

Join us August 15th from 2-4 PM!

07/01/2025

07/01/2025

Since the rescue of the building began in 1994, the building has needed many projects to return it to a healthy state. Volunteers and donors have made the rescue almost complete. One major project remains.

As many of our supporters know, we have been working on raising funds to replace the roof. To be honest, it has been a slow process.

The best information we have on the age of the current roof is that it was last replaced in 1928, just three years short of 100 years ago.

Helped in 2023/24 by a matching grant from the Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission, we had an engineering survey done to assess what would need to be done.
What was the roof made off?
What kind of condition is it in?
What would the costs be?

Learning that the shingles contain asbestos meant that the process would not be simple. And would be costly. Estimates ranged from $250,000 to $350,000 or more.

We've hoped that we would be able to raise necessary funds over a five-year period and that the roof would not leak and cause interior damage.

Well, hope may spring eternal but this time, it didn't work. Here are some pictures taken today (July 1, 2025) of recent leak damage. Water ran down the side of the window and pooled on the floor.

As is shown, the roof situation is becoming urgent. The building needs your help. If you can donate, please send your check to Keweenaw Heritage Center, c/o Calumet Township, 25880 Red Jacket Road, Calumet, MI 49913. If you would like to "Buy a Shingle," stop in the building during afternoon open hours, choose an amount, and put your name on a post-it note to place on the building model.

Thank you for any help you can give. Your support has kept the building standing and we hope that this will be the last major project.

12/29/2024

The newsletter is (finally!) on its way!

Due to some software glitches, Marc couldn't get it to the post office until Friday. We hope it gets to you before January 1 and that you find it interesting. 2024 was a busy year and 2025 doesn't look as if that will change.

As always, thank you for your support of KHC. The roof project is generating much needed funds. We hope that resources for replacement will soon be available so that further interior problems can be prevented.

Please watch your mailbox for your newsletter and Happy New Year!

Send a message to learn more

08/05/2024

Mark your calendars for August 24! That’s the date for a fund-raiser to Raise the Roof.

Here’s your chance to help while you have a great dinner, time to socialize, and an evening to dance to the music of Jim and Teri Enrietti.

The event will take place in KHC’s Bob Langseth Sandstone Hall. Social hour will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $50. They will be available from Board members, at Musical Mondays or by calling 906-337-4061. They will also be available at Keweenaw Heritage Center during the regular hours of 1 to 4:30, Mondays through Fridays. Number of tickets will be limited to 100 so get them while they’re available.

Let’s Raise the Roof!
Mark your calendars for August 24! That’s the date for a fund-raiser to Raise the Roof.

Here’s your chance to help while you have a great dinner, time to socialize, and an evening to dance to the music of Jim and Teri Enrietti.

The event will take place in KHC’s Bob Langseth Sandstone Hall. Social hour will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $50. They will be available from Board members, at Musical Mondays or by calling 906-337-4061. They will also be available at Keweenaw Heritage Center during the regular hours of 1 to 4:30, Mondays through Fridays. Number of tickets will be limited to 100 so get them while they’re available.

Let’s Raise the Roof!

Send a message to learn more

07/23/2024

Acting as a host at the Keweenaw Heritage Center this afternoon. It’s always a pleasure to interact with people as they learn about the history of the building and see the exhibits.

During a break, though, I couldn’t help thinking about something that I found downstairs last week. Before I post the picture, please remember the incredible amount of time and dedication it has taken to save this building.

What you see is a table carrier against the wall. Please notice the amount of red dust.

This didn’t happen from one pass-through. Sandstone walls are fragile but it took more than one hit to produce this much dust and damage.

We hope that there are more people who care about the building than the person who did this.

07/11/2024

Just received word from Jerome Patryjak that he has finished putting up the exterior panels. The panels, in the front of the building, underneath the railing, will help people know about the building and its functions.

Partially funded by a grant from the Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission, the panels show pictures of the transition to becoming a heritage and community center. We hope that they will encourage people to patronize the place by coming in to see exhibits, attend concerts, and rent the premises for functions. Income from all help to sustain the building.

Important to remember — IF WE DON'T USE IT; WE WILL LOSE IT!

Check out the picture of the panels. And many thanks, Jerome, Patti, and Jean for all your work.