American Legion Post 241 of Aurora generously awarded the IRHS a $2,400 donation to purchase leather binders. The IRHS Board wrote to the Legion requesting funds explaining that, “the IRHS has over 25,000 hard copy historical photos of the Iron Ranges of Minnesota. People, cities, ways of life, mining, logging, events and activities, and much more is documented in our photographs. Anyone in search of old pictures is welcome at the Society to comb through what we own. The photos are probably our most sought-after items. Volunteers over the years have filled over 90 3-ring vinyl binders with these photographs. Very regularly, and more often than we would like, we must replace the binders because they just do not hold up to regular use. We believe we have found a solution in a leather-bound D-ring binder that is much sturdier and better made than the binders we are currently using. The leather binders are costly, at $25 each.” The Board that governs the Legion sent a check for $2,400 which will completely cover the cost of the binder replacement project. Working with a company in Utah, the Society was able to get a special deal on the binders and free shipping and handling. Additionally, the company recognized our tax exempt status. Within 5 days of ordering the binders, we received the first of 3 shipments and volunteers are now busy replacing the vinyl binders with the new leather binders.
The Iron Range Historical Society was awarded a second mini-grant of $250 from the Arrowhead Library System for 2022 to reprint 40 of our history books. We used Vivid Design in Aurora to print and bind the books.
The Iron Range Historical Society was awarded a mini-grant of $250 from the Arrowhead Library System in the Summer of 2022 to print 500 color brochures. The Board and volunteers created the brochure and it was printed at the Range Print Shop in Eveleth. Staff will be able to give patrons of the Society current, printed material explaining what the Society does, contact information, and a guide as to the primary and secondary sources IRHS holds for their research projects, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is available to all.