IRRRB Ranger reports…

Hibbing Historical Society partnered with the Minnesota Historical Society to digitize nearly 90,000 pages of historic Hibbing and Chisholm newspapers, making local history easier to access and preserve. The newspapers are being added to the Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub, a free online database that allows users to search by date, keyword and location.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $27,900 Culture & Tourism grant. Total project investment was $67,500.

Previously available only on microfilm, the newspapers are now being converted into high-quality digital scans that include articles, photographs and other historical content. The searchable collection helps residents, visitors, students and researchers explore local families, businesses, mining history and community events from any computer or smartphone. The archives are also accessible through public library computers in Hibbing and Chisholm and at Minnesota Discovery Center.

Since the first newspapers became available online in June 2026, the Hibbing and Chisholm collections recorded more than 7,200 accesses in their first two months. Phase 1 was completed ahead of schedule and included nearly 90,000 pages. Fundraising for Phase 2 is underway.

The project is supported by the cities of Hibbing and Chisholm and their public libraries, with Hibbing Historical Society managing the project and funding. The effort preserves important historical records while expanding public access to the region’s history.

The newspapers are available at https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/hub.

My librarian heart is so happy.