On the eve of changes wrought by Michigan's iron mining industry in the mid-1800s, the Upper Peninsula was not an absolute wilderness.  According to John Anderton, an associate professor and chair of the Geography Department at Northern Michigan University, Native American settlements were, in fact, thriving, widespread and complex.

In an upcoming presentation at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, Anderton will "dispel the myth that the region was … untouched by people at the time of iron's discovery."  Anderton will present "Native Americans and the Discovery of Iron Ore in Marquette County" at the museum on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 2 p.m. 

Anderton's ongoing research traces clues found in historical maps, journals and in evidence yielded by the region's landscape that are helping to develop a better understanding of the early Indian presence in the U.P.

His program will offer a portrait of Native American life at the time of the Euro-American discovery of iron ore on the Marquette Iron Range.

Anderton holds degrees in anthropology and archaeology.  Prior to returning to Marquette in 1999 to accept a faculty position at his alma mater, he taught at the University of North Dakota and at Michigan Technological University.  He has worked as an environmental and cultural resources consultant with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and other private companies.

Anderton's presentation will conclude the museum's 2009 weekday program series in which historians, artists, writers and others share their expertise on topics of community interest.

The museum is located at 73 Forge Road in Negaunee Township. Admission is free; donations are encouraged and will go to support museum education programs.

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is one of 11 nationally accredited museums administered by the Museum Historical Center, a public, non-profit facility of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. It is located at 73 Forge Road, overlooking the site of the Carp River Forge, a pioneer industrial site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The recently expanded museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  For more information about upcoming events, call (906) 475-7857 or visit www.michigan.gov/ironindustrymuseum.

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) is dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity.  In addition to the Michigan Historical Center, HAL includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

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