Photo courtesy of the Keweenaw Community Foundation.

HANCOCK — As the result of two anonymous donors, a new endowment fund through the Keweenaw Community Foundation (KCF) has been established to support preserving and operating one of the Copper Country’s most iconic historic landmarks. The Endowment for the Preservation of the Champion #4 Shaft-Rock House Fund will provide long-term financial support for the ongoing efforts of Painesdale Mine and Shaft, Inc.

The Champion #4 Shaft-Rock House, built in 1902 and modified in 1906, is the oldest structure of its type in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Its surrounding landscape and companion buildings remain remarkably intact, offering visitors an authentic look into the region’s copper mining heritage. Unlike any other site in the area, Champion #4 offers tours of its upper levels, where tools and machinery still hang exactly where they were left by the workers who once toiled

there.

According to a press release from the KCF, “The Champion continues to operate thanks to small donations and tour income, but those funds only cover day-to-day needs like insurance and toilet rentals. What’s often left unfunded are the more substantial preservation efforts. My hope is that this endowment will provide a steady stream of support–without forcing the site to become overly commercialized just to survive,” said one of the fund donors.

In addition to its status as the oldest shaft rockhouse on the Peninsula, Champion #4 remains the only site in the region where visitors can climb to the upper floors and gain firsthand insight into mining operations. That unique visitor experience–combined with the structure’s historical integrity–makes it a key part of the Copper Country’s cultural heritage.

Those who care about regional and national history are encouraged to consider supporting the fund. Contributions to the endowment will help preserve this unique window into the past for future generations. To donate to the Endowment for the Preservation of the Champion #4 Shaft-Rock House, visit the Keweenaw Community Foundation website and to learn more about the Painesdale Mine and Shaft, Inc., visit painesdalemineshaft.com