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Proof of the Past
The Proof of the Past exhibits provide information about the historical research and
documentation of the Copper Harbor Lighthouse site along with photographic evidence,
archaeological evidence (artifacts) and architectural clues.
The 1848 Lightkeeper's Dwelling
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While repairing the original floor in the 1848 lightkeeper's dwelling, workers uncovered a crawlspace that had been sealed
for more than 75 years. Archaeologists recovered more than 500
artifacts from the crawlspace, including bottles, china, thimbles and a whittled toy boat. |
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Through an opening in the floor, visitors now see into this crawlspace. Some of the
artifacts recovered from the crawlspace during the archaeological work in the summer of 1997 are on display. Other
exhibits include documents, photographs and other evidence that provide clues about the
history of the building.
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| Found Beneath the Floor |
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The 1848 Lighthouse
 The site of the first (1848) Copper Harbor light tower was a mystery until
archaeologists discovered remains of it in 1975, in front of the present steel tower. In
1994 members of the annual archaeology field school sponsored by the Michigan Historical
Center and Michigan Technological University excavated the site. They found architectural
clues including lantern glass from the original tower and cut stones still covered with
the original whitewash. What happened to the tower? The archaeological evidence and the
1866 lighthouse cellar provided clues. Examination of the 1866 lighthouse cellar showed
that many of its stones were also coated with whitewash. Archaeologists concluded that
nearly 80 percent of the original whitewashed tower was reused for the 1866 lighthouse
foundation.
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