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 time, but pay for copies of printed materials. 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.

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

A Major Improvement at the IRHS From This

. . . . to This

The IRHS has recently made a much needed and long overdue improvement with the acquisition of the new, archival flat file storage unit (shown above). For many years the IRHS’s extensive collection of maps, drawings, and large format prints have been stored rolled up. Not only was it difficult to properly catalogue, access and display this material but the items were continually subject to damage. Some of the maps and mine construction drawings are well over 100 years old and needed to be properly stored to preserve their value as well as make them more readily accessible to visitors.

The new storage unit is a significant improvement, however it will not accommodate all of the IRHS’s flat file storage needs, and additional units will be required in the future. The IRHS is looking to its members and friends for donations to help fund those acquisitions. Please consider making a contribution specifically to the ‘IRHS Flat File Fund.’