Local History

Online

Library of Congress

Old photos, maps, and documents from Duluth, Minnesota,

Minnesota Digital Library

Digital content recording the early history of Minnesota, contributed by organizations around the state, including photographs, postcards, maps, documents, letters, and oral histories.

Content contributed by Duluth organizations:
Duluth Public Library
Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
University of Minnesota-Duluth Archives

Vintage Duluth 

Local history blog is written by volunteers and reference librarians at Duluth Public Library.

Zenith City Online 

Features and columns covering topics such as Duluth's development, architecture, culture, parks, landmarks, and biographies.

Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub

A collection of historical Minnesota newspapers including the Duluth Minnesotian (1869-1875), Duluth Evening Herald (1887-1910), the Duluth Herald (1910-1922), Labor Leader (1917), Labor World (1896-1922), Narodni Vestnik (Slovenian language, 1911-1917), Truth (Socialist Party publication, 1917-1922), and The World (African American newspaper, 1896-1897).

Newspaper Index 

Online subject indexes to articles of regional interest. Paper index for 1978-1995 is available at the Main Library. Developed and maintained by the Duluth Public Library Staff.

Regional Magazine Index

A guide to articles through 2008 of regional interest that appeared in area publications.

Inclusive Local History

A research guide for finding archival materials in our area libraries that document the history of indigenous people, people of color, women, and LGBTIQA people. This research guide is in the process of being created and is not a complete list of resources.

Rasmusen Model Pharmacy and T.A. Pinto Jeweler on Michigan Street and Garfield Ave around 1890.


At the Library

These collections are at the Main Library and may only be used in the building.

 

Duluth Collection - Wide range of Duluth-related subjects are covered, including general history, architecture, schools, churches, business and industry, civic concerns, recreation, laws, politics, and climate. Includes materials by or about Duluthians.

Duluth War Casualties - Index to articles published in Duluth newspapers on some military personnel from the Duluth area who were killed or captured during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Minnesota Collection - Covers Minnesota-related subjects, with special emphasis given to St. Louis County, Northeastern Minnesota, and Lake Superior. Includes materials by many Minnesota creators.

Clippings Files - Newspaper articles going back to the late 1800s relating to local history. Arranged by subject.

Slides - Hundreds of images, many of early Duluth. May be checked out. 

Biography File Index - List of names of people included in the Duluth Public Library's biography files.

Children's Book Week display at the Duluth Public Library on 101 West Second Street


Researching Duluth Houses

Research Duluth houses and find out information such as when your house was built, the architect, who lived at the house before, and more.
Discover more here! 

Other Local History Resources in Duluth

UMD Archives and Special Collections
University of Minnesota Duluth Library
416 Library Dr., Duluth, MN 55812
218-726-8526
libarchives@d.umn.edu

St. Louis County Historical Society
St. Louis County Heritage & Arts Center (Depot)
506 West Michigan St., Duluth, MN 55802
218-733-7586
history@thehistorypeople.org

Veterans' Memorial Hall
St. Louis County Heritage & Arts Center (Depot)
506 West Michigan St., Duluth, MN 55802
218-733-7500
vmh@vets-hall.org