Welcome

The Iron Range Historical Society (IRHS) is a historical society in northeastern Minnesota. Located on the Mesabi Range in Minnesota’s Arrowhead, it has offices in McKinley. The Society was founded in 1973. IRHS is a research library and archival house specializing in family and historical research. At present, the all-volunteer, nonprofit, charitable trust, is governed by a Board of Directors.

The Iron Range Historical Society is handicap-accessible, has photos and artifacts on display, does not charge admission, and serves the general public with moderate fees. All records and files are available for patrons to browse through. The Society holds information on all three of Minnesota’s Iron Ranges. Members receive free research conducted by volunteers. Current hours for the research library and archival house are Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Appointments may be made for other times.

Please visit the pages of this website to learn more about the Iron Range Historical Society.

  • Summer outing at Fall Lake, Winton
    Summer outing at Fall Lake, Winton
  • Harvesting the ice crop, Ely Lake, Eveleth
    Harvesting the ice crop, Ely Lake, Eveleth
  • Lone Jack Mine. Virginia
    Lone Jack Mine. Virginia
  • Digging out after snowfall, Feb 1939
    Digging out after snowfall, Feb 1939
  • Rainy Lake Mills, Silver Lake, Virginia
    Rainy Lake Mills, Silver Lake, Virginia
  • Oliver I M Co. Women working in iron ore lab. Apr. 1943
    Oliver I M Co. Women working in iron ore lab. Apr. 1943

Thank you for visiting and be sure to check out the IRHS on Facebook, Wikipedia, and Instagram.