Historical research and interpretative activities attempt to recreate, analyze and understand the lives of those people who have come before us. It can be difficult, however, to tell the difference between fact and opinion in some historical sources. Because history is recorded by human beings, it can be affected by individual perspective and bias.
It is important that researchers apply critical thinking while reviewing historical resources. Priority should be given to "primary source" documents created by eyewitnesses to history, while always keeping aware of potential biases which might affect the truthfulnesses of any account or recollection.
The Keweenaw Digital Archives is designed to improve access to primary source material held in repostories throughout the region. In addition to photographs (available through the link at the top of this page), the section below provides links to digital scans and other data extracted from archival material which pertains to ethnic and immigration information in Michigan's Copper Country.