TOWER- The Tower-Soudan Historical Society debuted a new website this year, www.towersoudanhistory.com, which highlights the history of the area, along with many resources for both visitors and community members.
The website, towersoudanhistory.com, was designed by W.A. Fisher, and TSHS members Nancy Larson, Louise Gately, Richard Hanson, and Leon Anderson wrote the articles featured on the website, and Deb Setterberg also lent a hand.
Larson led the research effort, along with the page layout and gathering photographs, both historical and current photos highlighting the area’s natural beauty.
A committee of five TSHS volunteers will be managing the website.
The work was funded with help from a matching grant from the IRRR Culture and Tourism Program, matched by locally raised TSHS funds.
The site has a wealth of information, including articles on the area’s history, links to the oral history interviews completed by TSHS volunteers, listings and information on historic sites in the area, information on the Lakeview Cemetery, and TSHS events. The website includes a downloadable self-guided history tour map (free paper versions are also available at the Tower Depot Museum, local businesses in Tower and Soudan, Tower City Hall, and Breitung Township office in Soudan). The map is available to download at towersoudanhistory.com/historic-sites. The website also highlights the local landmarks recognized on the National Register of Historic Places: Soudan Iron Mine (now a state park), the Tower Fire Hall (now owned and renovated by TSHS), Stuntz Bay Boathouse Historic District, and the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad Company Passenger Station/Tower Depot (which houses the TSHS Museum/visitors center).
The TSHS is proud of these local historic sites. These sites give a connection to the past, a sense of continuity and deepens our community’s sense of identity.  “These important historical landmarks focus attention on and promote knowledge and pride in the rich history in our communities,” writes Larson on the new website.
The website also features detailed information on the train cars that are on display at the depot area. Coach 81 is open and available to tour at no cost during the day from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It serves as a mini “Welcome Center” with information, brochures, and maps of the local area on summer weekdays when the Train Depot Museum is closed. The coach car is available to rent for receptions, classes, teas, birthday parties, or meetings. Rental information is available on the new website.
The TSHS was founded back in 1963. The Tower-Soudan Historical Society works to bring local history to light. The group’s mission is to discover, reveal and share the area’s remarkable past and connect people with history in meaningful ways.
TSHS is actively engaged in preserving Tower-Soudan-Lake Vermilion’s past, sharing community stories, and providing a link to the roots of the community and its people.
Since 1963, TSHS has grown to become the historical society that it is today— playing an important role in our community’s preservation, education and tourism by providing the public with enlightening and entertaining programs, exhibitions, and events.
Upcoming events
Depot Museum: The museum will be open this summer, Fridays through Mondays, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., May 24 through Sept. 2, or by appointment.
Train Tales Storytelling: Storytelling events are set for Wednesdays, June 19, July 10, 31, and Aug. 21. Time is at 3:15 p.m. inside the Coach 81 train car. Local volunteers will share tales and read aloud from a book, suitable for all ages. This event is in conjunction with the Arrowhead Bookmobile stops in July and August (no bookmobile stop in June).
History Happy Hour: Come visit with TSHS volunteers during the Tower Farmers Market on June 28, July 26, and Aug. 30, from 4 – 5 p.m. in the parking lot by the depot.
Events are also listed on the new website at towersoudanhistory.com. TSHS memberships are $15 per year, or $100 for a business membership. Membership payments can be made on the website, or mailed to Tower-Soudan Historical Society, PO Box 465, Tower, MN  55790.
“All you need is to have is a love of history, and the desire to help support the preservation of our Tower-Soudan-Lake Vermilion community’s history for current and future generations,” said Larson.