“Big annie” statue fund

Save the date! June 22, 2024 “Big Annie” Gala at the Calumet Theatre! Tickets will be available mid-April. Check back for the link!

NPS, Keweenaw NHP, C&H, Capello, Strike Album, #164, Annie Clemenc Heroine of the CC Strike, 1913

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.

Image Credit: National Park Service, Keweenaw NHP, C&H, Capello, Strike Album, #164, Annie Clemenc Heroine of the CC Strike, 1913

Dear Friends and Supporters,

You're invited to the "Big Annie" Gala on June 22, 2024, at the historic Calumet Theatre Ballroom. The evening begins at 5:00 PM, with tickets available for $100.00, on sale in April. This event promises a blend of culture, history, and community spirit to support our fundraising cause to commission a “Big Annie” statue.

The night features an ethnic dinner, complemented by the unveiling of an official "Big Annie" signature cocktail, created by Copper Queen and Iron Fish Distillery. Guest speaker, Steve Lehto, author of “Death’s Door” will offer insights, enriching the evening with stories and reflections. A Silent Auction will give guests a great opportunity to bid on exclusive items throughout the evening.

Highlights of the Gala include the first look at a juried art rendition of the "Big Annie" statue and the availability of exclusive t-shirts designed by Lynn Mazzoleni. Enjoy the original song “Annie” by Penny Menze and cap off the night with entertainment by the Keweenaw Brewgrass Band.

This event is more than a Gala; it's an opportunity to come together to support a legacy that continues to inspire. Seats are limited, so please secure your tickets early to join us for a meaningful and memorable evening.

-Team Annie

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. 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 in 1980 - the same year the Michigan House of Representatives declared June 17th “Annie Clemenc Day.”

A local advisory committee has formed with the goal of raising 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.

NPS, Keweenaw NHP, C&H, Capello, Strike Album, #163, [Anna Clemenc marching in strike parade with flag], 1913

Image Credit: NPS, Keweenaw NHP, C&H, Capello, Strike Album, #163, [Anna Clemenc marching in strike parade with flag], 1913

 
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, #002, Annie Clemenc (Big Annie), Ben Goggio, 1913

 
 

DONATE

On the page below, please indicate your donation to the Big Annie Statue Fund. Include any additional notes, add the donation to your cart, and check out when you are finished making donation selections. 

If you prefer to send a check, please indicate “Big Annie” on the memo line and send checks to:

Keweenaw Community Foundation, PO BOX 265 Hancock, MI 49930