Big Annie Statue Fund
Anna Klobuchar Clemenc (“Big Annie”)
For her service during the 1913 copper strike, “Big Annie” (1888-1956) is one of the most notable activists from a pivotal early period in the development of the U.S. labor movement. A local advisory committee has formed with the goal of raising funds to build a statue of “Big Annie” in Calumet, Michigan, to commemorate and honor the legacy of this historic woman.
Fundraising Goal Met
Thanks to the incredible support of donors, community members, businesses, organizations, and supporters from across the country, the Big Annie Statue Fund has officially reached its fundraising goal! This milestone marks an exciting next chapter in honoring the legacy of Anna “Big Annie” Clemenc and preserving an important piece of Keweenaw history for future generations.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this community-driven project possible.
Save the Date: Parade and Statue Dedication
Date: August 22, 2026
Location: Downtown Calumet, 5th Street and the Calumet Greenspace Park
Time:
Parade starts at 3:00 pm
Community celebration from 4 - 5:30 pm
Event Highlights:
Community parade down 5th Street
Statue unveiling and dedication ceremony at Calumet Greenspace Park
Live music
Free ice cream
Face painting
This dedication is part of Michigan's commemoration of America's 250th Anniversary, and the Big Annie Statue Project was honored to receive an AMERICA250MI History Grant in support of this important public monument.
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors and be part of the celebration!
The History of “Big Annie”
The 1845 discovery of rich copper lodes in the Keweenaw Peninsula triggered the first major mining boom in the United States. The Keweenaw area soon became America’s chief supplier of copper. As mining and industry increased during the Industrial Revolution, labor unrest became an issue across the US, and the Copper Country was no exception.
Anna Klobuchar Clemenc (1888-1956) is today known as a brave American activist who spoke out when women had no voice and no vote. Affectionately called “Big Annie” due to her 6’2” stature, she proudly carried a giant 6’ x 10’ American flag to lead striking miners down the main streets of Calumet. She would lead this parade of thousands of strikers daily, during the nine-month strike of 1913. Anna demanded fair wages, mine safety, and social justice for miners and their families.
For her service during the 1913 copper strike, “Big Annie” has been recognized as one of the most notable activists in the early development of the U.S. labor movement. As befits someone known as the Joan of Arc of the Copper Country, Anna is highly honored on both the state and national levels. In 1980, the Michigan House of Representatives declared June 17th “Annie Clemenc Day.” She is one of three women featured on the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame Medallion (along with Sojourner Truth and Anna Howard Shaw), representing women’s early struggle for economic justice. Anna was the first woman inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.
A local advisory committee has formed to raise funds to build a statue of “Big Annie” in Calumet, Michigan to commemorate this historic woman.
Consider donating to this project to honor the legacy of a local heroine, and to help pass along her ideals and bravery to the next generation.
Image Credit: NPS, Keweenaw NHP, C&H, Capello, Strike Album, #002, Annie Clemenc (Big Annie), Ben Goggio, 1913.
Image Credit: NPS, Keweenaw NHP, C&H, Capello, Strike Album, #163, [Anna Clemenc marching in strike parade with flag], 1913.