Mining began thousands of years ago here, with American Indians who mined copper. Lead also played a big role, being mined in the southwest part of the state. The museum, said Weis, also will incorporate information about fossils, geology, paleontology and agriculture, since soil is derived from rocks and organic matter. We have a dynamite director, Joanne Klussendorf, a native Wisconsinite itching to get back. The position is guarded.
Financial certainty helps.
F. John Barlow, whose collections are known worldwide, gave the foundation money to purchase his former Wisconsin collection, which had been sold. Another local private collector, Clyde Stephenson, has donated his collection. We were very fortunate to have Richard Seidler, a retired businessman and skilled craftsman, contribute his material, time and labor to fashion handmade cabinets for the museum. The museum has grown from its original plan for 1,500 square feet to 5,500 square feet. Completion is expected by the end of September.