Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Ironwood Area Historical Society continues to grow

By LARRY HOLCOMBE

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Ironwood — The Ironwood Area Historical Society’s mission is to preserve the region’s story for generations to come. The society’s museum and artifacts room in the old Chicago North Western Railroad depot in downtown Ironwood are full of photographs and newspaper articles, yearbooks and business directories, local business paraphernalia, a few pieces of furniture, some articles of clothing and other mementos of the past — each helping tell the story Ironwood.

“It’s been an ongoing mission for the historical society to gather photos, artifacts and written articles pertaining to Ironwood’s rich history and preserve it,” said the society’s vice president, Rod Smith. “More than that, the very city itself along with its surrounding environs can tell a story.”

The IAHS can be the centerpiece of telling that story, according to Smith and he’s hopeful the community will continue to bring items forward to help with the effort.

“There are families and individuals who have in their possession photos and other artifacts from the Ironwood area that no one else has ever seen before,” said Smith, adding the historical society would love to see some of these hidden treasures. “It is our duty to preserve this precious history for future citizens, but also seek memberships to keep the flame burning.”

Smith said the IAHS continues to host school groups and others for tours, but would like to do more.

He’d like to see a partnership with other group in the city. “Members of the Miner Memorial have done an excellent job educating people about the importance of why Ironwood exists,” said Smith.

“We’d like to partner with the folks from Miners Memorial, along with the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority and the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee, among others to share information and gain mutual respect for each other.”

Smith said he feels it’s important to get the next generation involved to “carry on the legacy” of the community.

The IAHS is always interested in learning more, seeing another photo or newspaper clipping, said Smith.

The society is hosting a gathering at the depot on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Coffee and donuts will be served.

Smith hopes people will come to learn more about the IAHS and the community’s history, and perhaps bring a photo or story to share.

“Some people have photos but don’t know where or when they were taken. We may be able to help them figure out the location or time frame,” said Smith.

Sandy Sharp is president of the IAHS and Mark Aho is the archivist.

For more information or help with a local history question, Smith invited folks to call him at 906-932-3946 or the IAHS at 906-932-0287.