Project to convert old Menominee news reports to online format

A new project at the Spies Public Library will bring the history of our region since 1885 online for everyone to see.

A team from the University of Michigan will begin in 2022 converting microfilm recordings of Democrat Menominee, the Menominee Herald Weekly and the Menominee Herald-Leader in an online searchable format. All family history documented in the local newspaper, such as births, deaths and marriages, as well as business openings and closings, and other major events will be available.

The project and the funding that makes it possible were announced today by Paula Gruszynski, Executive Director of the M&M Area Community Foundation (MMACF), who will oversee a donation to the Foundation to help with the conversion of newspaper archives.

Gruszynski said the library’s efforts will be supported by the new Dina Johnson Meissner Memorial Fund. It is hoped that the Fund will grow with additional contributions from those who appreciate the opportunity to learn more about our history.

In addition to the funds held at MMACF, a direct donation of $ 10,000 was made to the Spies Public Library.

“This generous donation on behalf of the late Dina Johnson Meissner will enable us to tackle the dozen of microfilm rolls most at risk,” said Blair Nelson, director of the Spies Public Library. “After that, we can tackle the few hundred rolls of newspaper discs remaining. “

The first contributions were made in Meissner’s name due to both her interest in books and in the local newspaper, to which she subscribes, regardless of where she lives in the country.

“This is exactly the kind of project, a project that benefits our local community, for which the M&M Region Community Foundation was created,” said Gruszynski. “This commemorative gift is the 128^e Fund administered by the Foundation, all endowed to serve our communities.

Anyone interested in contributing to the Fund can contact the Community Foundation at 906-864-3599. Checks for this Fund can be mailed to MMACF at 1110 10^e Avenue, Suite L-1, Menominee, MI 49858 or donations can be made online at mmacf.org.