Community Invited to Celebrate the Unveiling of the Big Annie Statue in Calumet
As the community prepares to observe Big Annie Day on June 17th, Team Big Annie and the Keweenaw Community Foundation are celebrating a major milestone: the Big Annie Statue Fund has officially reached its fundraising goal!
Thanks to the generosity of donors, community members, businesses, organizations, and supporters from across the country, the community-driven effort to create a permanent statue honoring Anna Klobuchar Clemenc has successfully completed its fundraising campaign.
To celebrate this achievement, the public is invited to attend the unveiling and dedication of the Big Annie statue on Saturday, August 22nd, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. in downtown Calumet. The event will begin with a parade down 5th Street, followed by the dedication ceremony at Calumet Greenspace Park. Community members can also enjoy live music, free ice cream, and face painting. The celebration will mark the unveiling and dedication of a new statue commemorating Big Annie’s life and legacy.
The statue honors Anna Klobuchar Clemenc (1888–1956), affectionately known as "Big Annie," a labor activist and leader during the 1913 Copper Strike. Her courage, determination, and advocacy for workers' rights made her one of the most notable figures of an important chapter in both Keweenaw and American labor history.
“This statue belongs to the entire community. It became a reality by the generosity of hundreds of people who wanted to ensure that Big Annie’s courage and leadership would never be forgotten. We are honored to celebrate not only the unveiling of this statue but also to honor all the folks who caught the spirit of Big Annie’s legacy and made this statue possible.”
Team Big Annie and the Keweenaw Community Foundation extend their sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make this vision a reality. Special thanks are also extended to the Village of Calumet for its partnership in providing a permanent home for the statue. The Village’s support has helped ensure that Big Annie’s legacy will be honored and accessible at the heart of the community she helped shape.
"The Village of Calumet is incredibly excited to see the Big Annie statue become a reality. Anna Clemenc was one of the most important figures in our community's history, and it is fitting that her legacy will be permanently recognized in the heart of downtown Calumet,” said Megan Haselden, Calumet Village Manager.
“We are deeply grateful to Team Big Annie for their dedication and persistence, to the Keweenaw Community Foundation for their support, and to the many donors whose generosity made this project possible. Their collective efforts have created a lasting tribute that will educate, inspire, and remind future generations of the courage, leadership, and determination that Annie embodied. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike to experience this new landmark and celebrate the remarkable story of Big Annie and Calumet's place in American labor history."
The dedication is also a part of Michigan’s commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary. The Big Annie Statue Project received an AMERICA250MI History Grant, helping support the creation of this important public monument honoring individuals who shaped our nation’s story.
Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend this historic celebration and help commemorate Big Annie's life, leadership, and legacy.
