CALUMET, MI— The Village of Calumet is getting $50,000 from the America250MI History Grant Program for a statue project.
The grant will support the design and creation of a life-size bronze statue honoring labor activist Anna “Big Annie” Klobuchar Clemenc.
Annie spearheaded the formation of the Women's Auxiliary No. 15 of the Western Federation of Miners in Calumet in 1913. She often led marches in support of striking miners that year and helped plan the Christmas party that became the Italian Hall Disaster. Annie later went on a lecture tour of the Midwest to raise funds for survivors of the Italian Hall disaster and to encourage workers to unionize.
Officials say Annie’s statue will preserve her legacy and educate future generations about her impact on the Keweenaw community and the broader labor movement.
America250MI is Michigan’s statewide committee tasked with commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, the American Revolution’s role in Michigan’s history, and the impact that these, and various historical events, have had on the people of Michigan’s past, present, and future.
