MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – 100 years after the worst mining disaster in Michigan, its history lives on. This week, community efforts are being made to digitize related documents and photographs in remembrance of the Barnes-Hecker Mining Disaster.
“I think there’s a lot of value in remembering these people and their lives, making sure their stories aren’t forgotten,” said MRHC Cataloging Librarian, Emily Tinder.
To commemorate its deep roots in the area, historical centers in Marquette County are working to expand their inventory of memorabilia with other local collections, by offering free digitization for any pieces relating to the tragedy.
On Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., the Marquette Regional History Center took appointments to provide the service. The same event will be held at the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library on Friday, March 27, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Appointments can be made to (906) 226-3571 or mrhc@marquettehistory.org.
“People can bring in photographs of miners or their families, anything that helps tell the story of the Barnes-Hecker,” said Tinder. “They can come here and we will do the digital scans, provide those to participants on a flash drive, then they will have the ability to donate the scans.”
As physical pieces will eventually deteriorate, this process will ease the continued sharing of the area’s mining heritage for future generations. These digital donations can be made back to the MRHC Longyear Research Library, the Upper Peninsula Digital Network, or the Beaumier Heritage Center.
“This is an opportunity to preserve them the best we can, and allow people to hold onto the items that they cherish as well,” said Tinder.
Although these special events are setup during this week, the MRHC says these sort of appointments can be made throughout the year. To view the Marquette Regional History Center’s online catalog, visit marquettehistory.org.
Throughout 2026, The Barnes-Hecker 100th Anniversary Committee has organized a series of at least 8 more commemorative events. WZMQ 19 will continue to provide coverage on those events as they begin this summer.
